A world surfing title still eludes her but Sally Fitzgibbons' will to succeed has earned her the Women's Health magazine sports woman of the year award.
Fitzgibbons, who finished third in the 2013 season rankings, was among a host of female athletes honoured at the Women's Health I Support Women In Sport awards in Sydney on Tuesday night.
"Sally's phenomenal determination and commitment for her sport - and her remarkable achievements in the surfing sphere validates why she won the sought-after title," magazine editor Felicity Harley said.
Five-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore was also awarded for her service to the sport, while West Australian surfer Felicity Palmateer was named local heroine of the year.
Olympic rower Kim Crow won the prime minister's award, with the Hockeyroos' World League victory over England was voted moment of the year.
Australian Womensport and Recreation Association President Janice Crosswhite said it was no surprise the nation's sportswomen dominate in the water as Australia was a country "girt by sea".
"Sally has been a water baby most of her life and started surfing when she was six," Crosswhite said.
"As a triple runner up for the World Crown, it will just matter of time before Sally breaks through and echoes her under 18 and under 21 world title performances."
Retired Australian netball captain Natalie von Bertouch took out the Leadership Legend gong, alongside the Diamonds who were named A-Team of the year.
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