Legendary Australian sports commentator Bruce McAvaney OAM has been presented with one of the highest honours in world sport, the World Athletics President's Award.
A Prestigious Honour from a Sporting Icon
The award was presented to McAvaney on Sunday night in Monaco by World Athletics President, Sebastian Coe. First established in 2016, the President's Award recognises individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the sport of athletics. McAvaney described the moment as "truly one of the highlights of my career."
"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," McAvaney said. He noted the timing felt especially meaningful, coinciding with what he believes is a revitalised golden era for Australian athletics.
A Career Defined by Athletics Passion
While Bruce McAvaney is Australia's most recognised sports broadcaster, having covered everything from AFL and horse racing to the Olympic Games, he holds a special place for track and field. "Athletics has been the central thread of my career at Seven and is a sport I hold incredibly close to my heart," he explained.
McAvaney began his television career with 7NEWS in 1978. Over his decades-long tenure with Seven West Media, he has become synonymous with major sporting events. He reflected on the privilege of calling iconic athletic moments that have defined Australian sport.
"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," McAvaney stated.
Recognition from Peers and the Industry
Seven West Media chair, Kerry Stokes AC, paid a heartfelt tribute to the broadcaster, noting a professional relationship spanning three decades. "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 said.
Stokes emphasised McAvaney's unique connection with both the sport and the Australian public, congratulating him on the well-deserved honour. "Everyone at Seven is very proud of Bruce and his achievements," he added.
The World Athletics President's Award now sits alongside other notable accolades in McAvaney's distinguished career, which include:
- The World Athletics Veteran Pin in 2025.
- The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2002 for service to sports broadcasting and the community.
This latest award solidifies Bruce McAvaney's legacy not just as a voice of Australian sport, but as a globally respected figure whose passion for athletics has helped shape the narrative of the sport for generations of fans.
