07.09.2012

Water Polo Queensland has held a gala dinner to honour Aussie Stingers’ bronze medallists Kate Gynther, Mel Rippon, Jane Moran, Ash Southern, Bronwen Knox and Sophie Smith and Aussie Sharks’ stars Rhys Howden and Billy Miller.

The event was a celebration of their achievements at the London Olympics and recognition of their contribution to the sport in Queensland.

The evening was attending by coaches, support staff, friends and family members and was a thank you to their sacrifices over the past 12 months.

Also revealed on the night was the nomination of five Water Polo Queensland representatives for the 2012 Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Awards.

Retired Aussie Stingers step-sisters Kate Gynther and Mel Rippon were nominated for the Sportswoman of the Year Award, while Stingers’ young gun Ash Southern capped off her great year with a nomination in the Junior Sportswoman of the Year Award.

Also gaining recognition was Nicola Johnson in the Coach of the Year category and Australia Born ’96 star Ellodie Ruffin in the Queensland Government Rising Stars Award.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday September 21 at the Sofitel Brisbane City.

Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Nominees

Kate Gynther and Mel Rippon

Queensland Junior Sportswoman of the Year Nominees

Ash Southern

Queensland Coach of the Year Nominees

Nicola Johnson

Queensland Government Rising Star Nominees

Ellodie Ruffin