Two of Western Australia's most celebrated athletes have been recognised with the state's highest sporting honour in a remarkable tie. Carlton Football Club captain Patrick Cripps and international golf champion Minjee Lee have both been awarded the prestigious Herb Elliott Medal at the WA Hall of Champions ceremony.
Western Australia's Finest Honoured
The extraordinary achievement marks the first time in recent memory that two athletes have shared the medal, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of Western Australian sportspeople. The dual recognition occurred during the Hall of Champions induction event held at Crown Perth on Monday evening, where both Cripps and Lee were celebrated for their remarkable contributions to their respective sports.
Patrick Cripps, the Carlton captain and West Australian native, received the honour following an exceptional AFL season that saw him claim the Brownlow Medal in 2022. The tough midfielder has become one of the game's most respected leaders, known for his powerful contested play and inspirational leadership that has driven Carlton's resurgence in recent seasons.
Minjee Lee, Perth's golfing superstar, earned her share of the medal after continuing to dominate women's golf on the international stage. The former world number two has accumulated an impressive collection of major championships, including the 2021 Evian Championship and the 2022 US Women's Open, establishing herself as one of Australia's most successful golfers in history.
Hall of Champions Welcomes New Inductees
The ceremony also welcomed four new inductees into the WA Hall of Champions, recognising athletes who have achieved extraordinary success in their sporting careers. Among the honoured were hockey legend Ric Charlesworth, netball champion Caitlin Bassett, basketball star Andrew Vlahov, and swimming sensation Eamon Sullivan.
Ric Charlesworth's inclusion celebrates not only his stellar playing career but also his phenomenal success as a coach. The hockey mastermind guided the Australian women's team to multiple Olympic and World Cup victories, cementing his status as one of the sport's greatest tactical minds.
Caitlin Bassett, one of netball's most formidable shooters, earned her place after a decorated career that included captaining the Australian Diamonds and establishing herself as one of the world's most accurate and reliable goal shooters.
Andrew Vlahov's induction recognises his outstanding basketball career, which included multiple NBL championships with the Perth Wildcats and representation of Australia in four Olympic Games, making him one of WA's most accomplished basketball exports.
Eamon Sullivan's inclusion celebrates his remarkable swimming achievements, particularly his world record-breaking performances in the 50m and 100m freestyle events, along with his Olympic medal success representing Australia on the global stage.
Celebrating Western Australian Sporting Excellence
The WA Hall of Champions and Herb Elliott Medal represent the pinnacle of sporting recognition in Western Australia. The Herb Elliott Medal, named after Australia's legendary middle-distance runner, is awarded annually to the state's outstanding sportsperson, making this year's tie between Cripps and Lee particularly significant.
The dual recognition highlights the incredible depth of sporting talent emerging from Western Australia, with both athletes representing different codes but sharing the common thread of WA origins and world-class achievement. Their success stories continue to inspire the next generation of Western Australian athletes across various sporting disciplines.
The ceremony also served to highlight the broader sporting ecosystem in Western Australia, celebrating not only the individual achievements of these elite athletes but also the coaching staff, support networks, and development pathways that help cultivate such exceptional talent from the state.
With both Cripps and Lee still actively competing at the highest levels of their respective sports, this recognition serves as both an acknowledgement of past achievements and an encouragement for future success as they continue to represent Western Australia on national and international stages.
