She flew to Canberra on Wednesday afternoon to the AIS for an award ceremony early morning Thursday at which the Federal Minister for Sport & Youth was present. After completing a swim set at the AIS,

Gemma attended the ceremony where she was awarded the 2007 AIS Junior Sports Athlete of the Year Award, fending off four or five other nomiiees. After the ceremony Gemma immediately flew back to Perth arriving home mid-afternoon.

Gemma was advised by Layne Beachley, Director of the Layne Beachley   Aim for the Stars Foundation and seven times world surfing champion, that she had been awarded the inaugural $2000 Beachley Athletic Outstanding Athlete Grant.

The national women's team, the Aussie Stingers, and head coach Greg McFadden were also finalists in the awards.

Gemma Beadsworth – winner of the 2007 AIS Junior Athlete of the Year

    • Captained the Junior Women’s team to Gold Medal win at the FINA Junior World Champs

    • Top goal scorer and Player of the Tournament at the Junior World Champs

    • Integral part of the Australian Senior team that won Silver at the 2007 World Championships

Senior Women’s World Championship Team – Finalist for AIS Team of the Year

    • Silver Medal at the 2007 FINA World Championships

   • Silver Medal at 207 FINA World League Super Finals

    • Backed up from last year's win in this category.

Greg McFadden – Finalist for AIS Coach of the Year

    • Backed up from last years' win in this category.