Minister for Sport Mark Arbib tonight congratulated Australian swimming star James Magnussen on winning three major awards at the 2011 Swimming Australia Swimmer of the Year Awards in Sydney.

Attending the ceremony at Australian Technology Park, Senator Arbib congratulated Magnussen on winning Swimmer of the Year, the Swimmers’ Swimmer of the Year and the People’s Choice Award.

“James Magnussen dominated 2011 as he spearheaded Australia’s efforts at the 2011 FINA World Championships,” Senator Arbib said.

“Magnussen became the fastest man over 100m freestyle and also the first Australian to win gold in the 100m freestyle at the World Championships.

“In addition, Magnussen took home gold as part of the 4x100m freestyle team and silver in the 4x100m medley relay.”

Senator Arbib said the calibre of the swimmers in contention for awards highlights the depth of Australia’s swimming squad in the lead up to London 2012.

“I also congratulate Blake Cochrane as the Multi Class Swimmer of the Year, Brant Best as Coach of the Year and Felicity Galvez as Short Course Swimmer of the Year,” Senator Arbib said.

“The swimming team has set a good platform for success next year and I wish them the best of luck as they prepare for London 2012.”

The Australian Government is a strong supporter of Australian swimming and provides more than $9.3 million annually to assist the development of the sport at both elite and grassroots levels.

Swimming Australia was also granted an additional $1 million through the Green and Gold Project as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to improve Australia’s medal chances at the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.