Three distinguished Western Australian sporting figures have been honoured with one of the state's most prestigious sporting awards. Netball champion Gaye Teede, water polo legend Tom Hoad and accomplished rower Brett Woollfitt will be formally recognised as recipients of the 2026 May Campbell Medals.
Celebrating Sporting Excellence in Western Australia
The May Campbell Medal represents one of Western Australia's highest sporting honours, awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their respective sports. This year's recipients span three different sporting disciplines, highlighting the diversity of athletic talent across the state.
Gaye Teede: Netball Trailblazer
Gaye Teede has established herself as a formidable force in Australian netball, with a career spanning both playing and coaching roles. Her dedication to developing the sport at grassroots levels while achieving success at elite competitions has made her a respected figure within the netball community. Teede's influence extends beyond the court through her work mentoring young athletes and advocating for women's sport.
Tom Hoad: Water Polo Icon
Tom Hoad's name is synonymous with water polo excellence in Australia. As both a player and coach, Hoad has contributed significantly to the sport's development nationally and internationally. His strategic insights and leadership have helped shape generations of water polo athletes, cementing his legacy as one of Australia's most influential figures in aquatic sports.
Brett Woollfitt: Rowing Champion
Brett Woollfitt has demonstrated remarkable consistency and achievement throughout his rowing career. His technical mastery and competitive spirit have earned him numerous accolades in domestic and international competitions. Woollfitt's commitment to the sport extends to his work developing rowing programs and facilities that benefit athletes across Western Australia.
The Significance of the May Campbell Medal
The May Campbell Medal was established to recognise outstanding contributions to sport in Western Australia. Unlike performance-based awards that focus solely on competitive achievements, this honour acknowledges the broader impact recipients have made through leadership, development work and sustained commitment to their sporting communities.
Previous recipients of the medal have included some of Western Australia's most celebrated sporting figures across various disciplines. The 2026 awards continue this tradition by honouring individuals whose careers have not only achieved competitive success but have also significantly advanced their respective sports.
The formal presentation ceremony for the 2026 May Campbell Medals is expected to take place later this year, where Teede, Hoad and Woollfitt will be officially recognised for their contributions to Western Australian sport.