Layla Sharp at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games – photos courtesy of Michael Thomas / Australian Athletics
WESTERN Sydney Academy of Sport celebrated the achievements of its athletes, coaches and community at its 2026 Annual Awards, with Para athlete Layla Sharp (Cranebrook) taking home both the Athlete of the Year and Athlete with a Disability Awards.
Held at Wenty Leagues Club on Thursday 10 September, the annual awards brought together over 230 athletes, families, coaches, partners, supporters and community representatives to recognise another outstanding year for the Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS).
Layla’s recognition caps an incredible year where she has continued to make significant progress since making her international debut at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.
After competing in the T38 200m and 400m at the World Championships, Layla took on the long jump as a new event and quickly made her mark, breaking the Australian T38 Long Jump record with a leap of 4.64m at the ACT Championships. That record had stood for more than a decade.
Her rapid progression was further recognised when she was named Commonwealth Games Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Month. The 18-year-old then achieved a major milestone with selection to represent Australia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, in the Women’s T38 Long Jump, earning her first Australian senior team selection.
Layla’s success extends beyond her performances on the track and field; her professionalism, resilience, work ethic and positive influence on teammates were also recognised through the Athlete of the Year award.
WSAS Regional Manager, Martin Bullock said Layla’s achievements reflected both her sporting ability and the qualities she brings to the Academy.
“Layla’s progression over the past year has been exceptional. To break an Australian record, make her international mark and earn Australian senior team selection at just 18 is an incredible achievement,”
The evening also recognised excellence across the Academy’s sporting programs, with 11 Sport Awards presented to athletes and officials across BMX, Golf, Rowing, Volleyball, Future Champions, Hockey, Netball, Triathlon and Softball.
2026 WSAS Award Winners:
• Athlete of the Year: Layla Sharp (Cranebrook / Athletics)
• Athlete with a Disability Award: Layla Sharp (Cranebrook / Athletics)
• UAA Indigenous Athlete of the Year: Zachary Isaako (Werrington Downs / Golf)
• Coach Leadership Award: Matthew Beach (Glenmore Park / Softball)
• WSU Excellence in Education Award: Sukhreet Sandhu (Jamisontown / Volleyball)
• Golf Athlete of the Year: Jessica Fog (Glenmore Park)
• Rowing Athlete of the Year: Ellie Taylor (Mount Riverview)
• Digital Realty Netball Athlete of the Year: Akur Malueth (Mount Druitt)
• Softball Athlete of the Year: Addison Finnimore (Glenmore Park)
The awards night not only highlighted the performances achieved by WSAS athletes throughout the year but also the broader community of coaches, families, schools, sporting organisations, councils and partners who support their development.
