The throws, not the footsteps, are defining Kim Mickle.
The javelin thrower won her second-straight Athletics Australia women's athlete of the year award on Thursday night, beating hurdler Sally Pearson by just one vote.
Discus thrower Dani Samuels was also only one vote behind Pearson.
"Last year was a massive shock, and to win a second in a row is unbelievable," she said.
"The other girls nominated are the people that I look up to so, to win an award like this ahead of them, is pretty special.
"I feel like I am following in their footsteps most of the time and it's an honour."
But Mickle's outstanding form speaks for itself.
Pearson had won the award four times before last year, when Mickle's silver medal at the world championships meant she was the obvious choice.
Pearson had a tumultuous campaign before winning the 100m hurdles at the Commonwealth Games, but Mickle again had the better year.
She also won her event at the Games, as well as setting the national javelin record and securing a medal at all her Diamond League appearances.
While the voting for the women's award was tight, marathoner Michael Shelley was the obvious choice for the men's category.
He beat the highly-fancied Kenyans to win the marathon at the Games.
Shelley could not attend the Melbourne function, but paid tribute to long-time coach Dick Telford in his acceptance speech.
Telford was named coach of the year.
"To my coach Dick, you have not just been a great coach to me over the past 12 years - you have been a great friend," Shelley said.
"I am forever grateful for your coaching guidance and I am looking forward to continuing on working hard to achieve the goals that we have set into the future."
Sprinter Lauren Wells was named best team person.
Commonwealth Games high jump gold medallist Eleanor Patterson won the junior athlete category and her mentor David Green took out the junior coach award.
Michael Roeger and Angela Ballard won the para athlete awards.
Share
