World champion gymnast Lauren Mitchell was last night named winner of the 2010 AIS Junior Athlete of the Year award at a gala presentation held in Canberra.

Mitchell collected four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and then created history by becoming the first Australian female gymnast to win a world title, claiming gold on floor in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker described the performances of Mitchell as simply outstanding.

“Lauren’s results  internationally throughout 2010 demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the world’s best  gymnasts.”  

“She has proven herself as a world-class champion by beating the best in the world on the toughest international sporting stages.”

“Lauren has now etched herself in the history books as the first Australian female gymnast to claim a world title.” 

Other nominations for the AIS Junior Athlete of the Year award included Jessica Fox (canoe slalom), Samantha Kerr (football women’s), Jason Kubler (tennis), Peter Leek (Paralympic swimming) and Michael Matthews (road cycling). 

Other major 2010 AIS Awards presented tonight at the AIS Arena included:

• AIS Athlete of the Year: Lydia Lassila (Aerial Skiing)

• AIS Team of the Year: Australian Men’s Hockey Team  

• AIS Coach of the Year: Ric Charlesworth (Men’s Hockey)

• AIS Program of the Year: AIS sailing program

The full list of award winners is on the 2010 Honour Roll at www.ausport.gov.au

Contact: David Packwood, AIS Media Officer 0408 417894.