Boomers star Patty Mills honoured with The Don Award

A clearly humbled Patty Mills beat out a hot field of Aussie sportspeople to win the prestigious Don Award, saying ‘I never set out to win awards like this.’ Is he a worthy winner? Vote now.

First came the flag, then came the bronze, now Patty Mills has got The Don.

In what will surely go down as the most memorable year of the NBA champion’s sporting career, Mills was on Thursday night crowned the winner of the coveted The Don Award by the Sports Australia Hall of Fame.

From a year where Australia witnessed our greatest Olympic performance in history with swimmer Emma McKeon’s seven medals (including four gold), triple Olympic gold to backstroker Kaylee McKeown, Olympic and world titles to canoeist Jess Fox, a Wimbledon triumph to Ash Barty and a golden tennis slam to Dylan Alcott, Mills topped them all with his inspiring leadership of the Boomers.

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Mills, who joined Cate Campbell as Australian flag bearer at the Olympic Games opening ceremony, led Australia’s men’s basketball team to their first medal at an Olympics when they claimed a stunning bronze on the back of his 42 points and nine assists in the medal playoff.

Recognised as one of Australia’s most authentic and inspiring leaders off the field, Mills now joins the likes of Barty (2019), Jeff Horn (2017), Michelle Payne (2016), Ian Thorpe (1999) and Cathy Freeman (2000) to win the award.

The Don Award is considered the highest honour in Australian sport, awarded to an athlete or a team who has most inspired the nation through performance and example over the past year.

Patty Mills drives to the basket for Australia.

“I never set out to win awards like this,” Mills said from the US.

“I go about my craft as a professional and learn ways to get better, trying to carry myself in a way that I think can inspire others.

“Being recognised in this way to me isn’t about who I sit alongside, it’s about how I can inspire others with my journey and being able to relate and connect to those people.”

The selection committee gave the award to Mills due to his “determination, skill and leadership” of the Boomers while John Bradman, son of Sir Donald, said Mills embodies qualities his father valued in sport.

“He’s not just a champion player, he’s a champion person, a leader, a star on and off the court, and most of all an inspiration to all of us,” John Bradman said.

Barty had been considered a strong chance to join Sally Pearson (2012, 2014) as the only two-time winners of the award after the world No.1 tennis star secured her first Wimbledon title exactly 50 years after her idol Evonne Goolagong-Cawley won in 1971.

Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley reflecting on Ash Barty's Wimbledon victory. Supplied.

But it was Goolagong-Cawley who actually created history on Thursday night, when she was named the first winner of the inaugural The Dawn Award - an award that recognises a courageous groundbreaker who demonstrated achieved against the odds.

“To win The Dawn Award is an incredible honour,” Evonne said.

“I have been unwell and this has been the ultimate cheer-up for me. To be the first recipient makes it even more special.

“Dawn is one of Australia’s greatest athletes and has been a source of inspiration throughout my life.

“She is also a good friend, and I am so pleased the Sport Australia Hall of Fame has chosen her to have such a prestigious award in her name alongside Sir Don Bradman.”

News Corp readers voted for Michelle Payne’s triumphant Melbourne Cup victory in 2015 as the Hall of Fame moment award from a shortlist of 20 iconic sporting moments over the past 60 years.

Michelle Payne with brother Stevie and Prince of Penzance. Picture: David Caird

“To win the 2021 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Moment was a huge surprise,” said Payne.

“I was in shock when I was informed, as the moments were all so significant in Australia’s sporting history.

“I was so happy to make it into the Top 10, and then to receive the public vote was just absolutely amazing.

“Apart from achieving a lifelong dream, the most special moment was sharing this with my brother Stevie. I was thrilled that the moment highlighted his celebrations - he was so excited. We have a unique bond, maybe that is why we won.”

Originally published as Boomers star Patty Mills honoured with The Don Award