Australian broadcasting icon Bruce McAvaney OAM has been honoured with one of world sport's highest accolades, receiving the World Athletics President's Award for his lifelong dedication to athletics coverage.
A Prestigious Honour from World Athletics
The legendary commentator received the award on Sunday night in Monaco during a ceremony presided over by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. First established in 2016, the President's Award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the sport of athletics.
McAvaney, widely regarded as Australia's most recognised and respected sports commentator, began his television career with 7NEWS Adelaide in 1978. Throughout his distinguished career, he has covered numerous high-profile sports including AFL, horse racing, motorsport, tennis, golf and multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games. However, athletics has always held a special place in his heart.
Decades of Broadcasting Excellence
The veteran broadcaster has become synonymous with major sporting events across Australia and internationally. His remarkable portfolio includes the AFL grand final, Melbourne Cup, Australian Open tennis, Test cricket and Summer Olympic Games. McAvaney has covered every Olympiad from Moscow 1980 through to Paris 2024, with the sole exception of the 2012 Games.
Seven West Media chair Kerry Stokes AC paid heartfelt tribute to McAvaney's achievements. "I have known Bruce for three decades and love the guy. He is synonymous with athletics and many other sports, and I am very proud of his huge contribution to Seven Sport's success," Stokes expressed. "Bruce has a unique and very warm connection with both athletics and the public, and I congratulate him on receiving this honour."
Athletics: The Cornerstone of an Illustrious Career
McAvaney described athletics as the central thread woven throughout his decorated broadcasting career. "Athletics has been the central thread of my career at Seven and is a sport I hold incredibly close to my heart," he shared.
"To be honoured in this way, and by someone I have such enormous admiration for in Sebastian Coe, is truly one of the highlights of my career. The timing makes it feel especially meaningful. I genuinely believe Australian athletics is entering a revitalised golden era."
The broadcaster reflected on the defining moments that have fuelled his passion for the sport. "I've been incredibly fortunate to work across many major events and sports, but nothing compares to athletics at the highest level. The opportunity to call those defining, once-in-a-lifetime moments – from Cathy's unforgettable race at Sydney 2000, to Ollie Hoare's brilliance in Birmingham, and everything still to come at Glasgow in 2026 – those moments are what fuel my passion."
Australian sporting legend Catherine Freeman OAM praised McAvaney's unique talents. "Bruce McAvaney is a gift to us all. His voice, his charisma and his ability to tell athlete's stories while taking sports fans along for the ride, is an experience for us all to behold."
Three-time Olympian Tamsyn Lewis Manou highlighted McAvaney's enduring impact on Australian athletics. "Australian athletics is incredibly fortunate to have had someone like Bruce championing the sport with such passion for so long. His voice has helped keep our athletes in the public eye and turned so many of them into true household names."
This latest honour joins an impressive collection of awards McAvaney has received throughout his career, including the World Athletics Veteran Pin in 2025, induction to the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2023, TV WEEK Logie Awards Hall of Fame induction in 2022, Medal of the Order of Australia in 2002, and the International Olympic Committee Media Award in 1989.
