The Australian Sports Commission announced triathlon coach Craig Walton as recipient of the 2009 Australian Institute of Sport Coach of the Year award at a ceremony in Canberra on Thursday, 12 November.

Under Walton’s coaching and guidance, Australia has continued its world dominance of women’s triathlon, with Emma Moffatt — joint winner of the 2009 AIS Athlete of the Year award — being crowned 2009 ITU World Champion.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker paid tribute to Walton’s remarkable achievement and commitment to both the AIS and Australian triathlon.

‘For Craig, to win the AIS Coach of the Year award over such a high-quality field is a reflection of his outstanding coaching ability,’ Professor Fricker said. 

‘Craig deserves much of the credit for the tremendous results achieved by Australia’s Emma Moffatt on the international triathlon circuit.’

‘His leadership, professionalism and enthusiasm have seen Emma finish 2009 as the world number one female triathlete.’

Other finalists for the Coach of the Year award included Emma Lazich (sailing), Ian McKenzie (men’s track endurance cycling), Simone McKinnis (netball), Jimmy Owens (sprint canoe) and Vince Raleigh (swimming).