Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scholarship holders Alicia Coutts and Ashley Delaney have capped off outstanding years by being named the AIS Male and Female Swimmer of the Year.

Coutts won an incredible five gold medals at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi – 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay.

Her efforts were rewarded by being named Australian flag bearer at the Delhi closing ceremony and last month Couuts claimed the prestigious 2010 Australian Swimmer of the Year Award.

Delaney won three bronze medals at the Delhi Games in the 50, 100 and 200m backstroke events and was a member of the Australian gold medal winning 4x100m medley relay team.

Head coach of the AIS Swim program, Shannon Rollason paid tribute to both swimmers.

‘Alicia has had a year to remember under the guidance of her coach John Fowlie and deserves every success that comes her way,’ Rollason said.

‘Her performances at the Delhi Games were simply outstanding and were a direct result of her tremendous work ethic.

‘Ash has not only proven himself to be a top quality swimmer but also an important member of the AIS and Australian swim teams.

‘He continues to go from strength to strength and I’m sure 2011 will be an even better year for him.’

Other AIS swim award winners included: Individual Medley Swimmer of the Year – Alicia Coutts, Breastroke Swimmer of the Year – Craig Calder, Backstroke Swimmer of the Year – Belinda Hocking, Butterfly Swimmer of the Year – Alicia Coutts, Freestyle Swimmer of the Year – Bronte Barrett and Outstanding Performance of the Year – Belinda Hocking.

Contact: David Packwood, AIS Media Officer Tel: 02 62141476 / 0408 417894