Published Wednesday, 12 November, 2008 at 04:28 PM

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Stephanie Rice receives QAS Award for Sport Excellence
It has been a year of golden moments for triple Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice, and today the winning trend has continued for the Queensland swimming star.
Sport Minister Judy Spence presented Ms Rice with the Peter Lacey Award for Sport Excellence at the annual Queensland Academy of Sport Champions’ Luncheon today, recognising her outstanding achievements in the pool throughout the year.
Ms Spence said: “The Peter Lacey award acknowledges the QAS athlete who has achieved the greatest international success during the year while also serving as an ambassador for sport.
“This year, Stephanie has cemented her position as one of the world’s leading female swimmers, following her record breaking performance in the 400 metre individual medley in Beijing – securing Australia’s first gold medal of the games.
“She went on to win another two gold medals in the 200 metre individual medley and the 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay – both in world record time, becoming Australia’s only triple gold medallist of the games.
“Stephanie’s incredible results at the Beijing Olympics were an inspiration to all Queenslanders, and testament to her hard work and intense training in the lead up to the Games.
“I congratulate Stephanie on receiving this prestigious award and wish her all the best in her future sporting endeavours.”
Ms Spence said Stephanie now joins the esteemed company of previous winners including Vicki Wilson, Geoff Huegill, Grant Hackett, Susie O’Neill, Kieren Perkins, Kerrie Meares, Geoff Trappett, Jodie Henry, Leisel Jones, Emma Snowsill and Libby Trickett in winning this award named in honour of an Australian surf lifesaving icon.
“Before his passing in 1997, Peter Lacey won 14 World Championship medals and was one of the inaugural Board members of the QAS,” Ms Spence said.
“A legend in the sport of surf lifesaving, this award ensures that Peter’s name and legacy lives on and remains associated with the highest level of sport in Queensland.”
Ms Spence said the QAS ‘Team of the Year’ was also recognised at the event, with the award going to the QAS Softball program Softball program.
“The Queensland Heat softball team won the National League in 2008, with seven of these athletes also on the Australian squad that brought home bronze in their last appearance at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
“Queensland athletes exceeded all expectations at the Olympic and Paralympic Games – bringing home 87 medals in total, including 18 Olympic gold and 5 Paralympic gold.
“These athletes set a great example to the next generation of young athletes, and demonstrate to everyday Queenslanders the benefits of leading a healthy and active life.
“Our Q2 goal for Tomorrow’s Queensland is to reduce obesity rates by a third by 2020, and to make Queenslanders the healthiest people in Australia.
“The excellent achievements of all our athletes helps us to achieve this goal – inspiring people to get active and spreading our message of healthy living.”
Media contact: 3239 6203
Sport Minister Judy Spence presented Ms Rice with the Peter Lacey Award for Sport Excellence at the annual Queensland Academy of Sport Champions’ Luncheon today, recognising her outstanding achievements in the pool throughout the year.
Ms Spence said: “The Peter Lacey award acknowledges the QAS athlete who has achieved the greatest international success during the year while also serving as an ambassador for sport.
“This year, Stephanie has cemented her position as one of the world’s leading female swimmers, following her record breaking performance in the 400 metre individual medley in Beijing – securing Australia’s first gold medal of the games.
“She went on to win another two gold medals in the 200 metre individual medley and the 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay – both in world record time, becoming Australia’s only triple gold medallist of the games.
“Stephanie’s incredible results at the Beijing Olympics were an inspiration to all Queenslanders, and testament to her hard work and intense training in the lead up to the Games.
“I congratulate Stephanie on receiving this prestigious award and wish her all the best in her future sporting endeavours.”
Ms Spence said Stephanie now joins the esteemed company of previous winners including Vicki Wilson, Geoff Huegill, Grant Hackett, Susie O’Neill, Kieren Perkins, Kerrie Meares, Geoff Trappett, Jodie Henry, Leisel Jones, Emma Snowsill and Libby Trickett in winning this award named in honour of an Australian surf lifesaving icon.
“Before his passing in 1997, Peter Lacey won 14 World Championship medals and was one of the inaugural Board members of the QAS,” Ms Spence said.
“A legend in the sport of surf lifesaving, this award ensures that Peter’s name and legacy lives on and remains associated with the highest level of sport in Queensland.”
Ms Spence said the QAS ‘Team of the Year’ was also recognised at the event, with the award going to the QAS Softball program Softball program.
“The Queensland Heat softball team won the National League in 2008, with seven of these athletes also on the Australian squad that brought home bronze in their last appearance at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
“Queensland athletes exceeded all expectations at the Olympic and Paralympic Games – bringing home 87 medals in total, including 18 Olympic gold and 5 Paralympic gold.
“These athletes set a great example to the next generation of young athletes, and demonstrate to everyday Queenslanders the benefits of leading a healthy and active life.
“Our Q2 goal for Tomorrow’s Queensland is to reduce obesity rates by a third by 2020, and to make Queenslanders the healthiest people in Australia.
“The excellent achievements of all our athletes helps us to achieve this goal – inspiring people to get active and spreading our message of healthy living.”
Media contact: 3239 6203