The Gong's golden girls shine bright at marie claire Women of The Year Awards

The Illawarra’s most inspirational and iconic sportswomen have been celebrated at the marie claire Women of The Year Awards 2024, with Emma McKeon and Saya Sakakibara being recognised for their lasting impact beyond their Olympic success – becoming national treasures and role models for the next generation.

Saya’s journey of perseverance and determination resonated across the world when the BMX athlete from Helensburgh claimed gold in Paris.

Rebounding from an emotionally scarring crash at Tokyo and grappling with her brother Kai suffering a brain injury from a crash that same year, Saya transformed her pain into a tenacity that saw her achieve her, and her brother’s, dream.

“I am most proud of the work I put into preparing for the Games,” Saya told marie claire. “I am proud of myself for getting the job done when the pressure was its highest.”

Saya’s journey was just as inspirational as her victory, and now she has been honoured with Champion of The Year at the marie claire Women of the Year Awards.

But she won’t be representing the Illawarra all alone, with the region’s most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon being recognised as Icon of the Year.

The Illawarra (and the rest of Australia) have followed Emma’s success as a record-breaker and powerhouse in the pool at Rio, Tokyo and Paris where she earned 14 medals.

But this year’s Olympics were particularly emotional, marking the last time she would compete in the Games.

After struggling with a muscle tear before Paris and not competing in her signature freestyle events, Emma didn’t get the fairytale finish that she hoped for, but she did walk away with three medals which she takes immense pride in.

“Leading in was definitely the hardest preparation I have had. I lost a lot of confidence in my swimming and felt a lot of pressure to back up what I had done in Tokyo,” she told marie claire. “But I’m proud of how I handled it and proud I could still step up for my team while feeling the self-doubt.”

But Emma is so much more than her sport, and is shaping the next generation with valuable lessons through ambassadorial roles.

“Great things take time, and the long road there is where all the necessary things are learnt to take us to the next level.”

The Icon and Champion awards are among the most prestigious offered at the event, which highlights the trailblazing women exceling in their field.

Other winners include Julian Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson – who grew up in Berry and went to Bomaderry High School – who took out the Powerhouse award.

“As leaders in their chosen fields, these game-changers are leading with courage and rejecting the status quo in order to build a brighter future for our next generation,” marie claire editor Georgie McCourt said.

“We know women are phenomenal and powerful, but these awards are a spectacular reminder of this power.

“All of these celebrated women have worked incredibly hard for what they’ve achieved. Nothing has come easily. They don’t do it for fame or fortune. They do it because they passionately believe in what they’re fighting for and it is an honour to recognise the commitment, passion and bravery of this inspirational group of women.”

All the winners are showcased in the marie claire Women of the Year issue, on sale Thursday 14 November.

For more information visit the marie claire website.