If the London Olympics Closing ceremony was the biggest gathering of Australian female sporting superstars this year, then Women's Health Magazine's 'I Support Women in Sport' awards night was a very close second.
In fact a lot of the same faces that lit up our TV screens during the Games were at the Paddington Town Hall in Sydney to celebrate the success of their fellow female athletes.
Flag-bearer Lauren Jackson, queen of the pool Alicia Coutts, the fearless Brittany Broben and Paralympic sensation Jacqueline Freney were all at the awards.
Then there were the trailblazers who hone their craft outside of the Olympic disciplines too. Surfing's World Champion in waiting Sally Fitzgibbons had just returned from the Mark Webber endurance challenge to be in the crowd.
Cycling sensation Anna Meares was awarded the People's Choice for Sportswoman of the Year, while Opal's captain Lauren Jackson (Leadership Award) and breaststroke belle Leisel Jones (Service to Sport Award) also collected trophies.
But it was Eight-time Paralympic gold medallist Jacqueline Freney who stole the show, with the swimmer receiving a standing ovation after winning the inaugural Prime Minister's award for her golden run over the past 12 months.
Amongst all the celebrations there was a poignant message imparted on all those present: More needs to be done to lift the profile of Australia's female sporting stars.
Event visionary, Women's Health Australia's Felicity Harley reminded everyone that the playing field between male and female athletes is far from level.
While conversations like these are startling, it serves to remind supporters that it is imperative to recognise, promote and encourage the efforts of female champions.
The Olympic Games provided an excellent reminder of Australia's female sporting triumphs.
The women's relay gold, sizzling Sally Pearson's hurdles win and Anna Meares' magic moment are imprinted on everybody who witnessed them.
It is another four years until the next time female athletes can stand shoulder to shoulder on the world stage, not competing for attention but sharing the spotlight with their male team-mates.
In the meantime it's crucial that events like the Women's Health I Support Women in Sport continue, and that sponsors start chasing down some of these fantastic female role models.
As Felicity Harley put it, “Would you rather your kid had a poster of Rihanna or Elysee Perry on her wall?”
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