Macey Sheridan crowned Sportsperson of the Year at NT Sports Awards
A teenage swimming sensation has said being named the youngest Sportsperson of the Year is a major milestone and motivator towards her long term goal of competing at the Olympics. See all the winners and photos.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Northern Territory’s young swimming sensation Macey Sheridan has made history as the youngest winner of the NT Sportsperson of the Year at the 2025 NT Sport Awards.
Sheridan has enjoyed plenty of success on the national stage winning golds at national championships with her long term hopes of becoming an Olympian like her idol Kaylee McKeown.
She’s already been named the first Northern Territory swimmer to be selected for Swimming Australia’s Flippers Squad and has been touted as a future contender for the Australian swim team.
And on Saturday night she was the toast of the NT when she was named the sportsperson of the year while surrounded by some of the most outstanding sporting contributors in the Territory.
It comes after the swimmer, who specialises in backstroke, won the Junior Sportsperson of the Year at last year’s awards.
“This is a really big milestone for me, it’s a motivator to keep on improving,” Sheridan said.
“It really lets me know what I could be capable of and motivates me to keep working toward what I want to achieve.
“What I’ve managed is beyond what I thought I would achieve, going to my first nationals I remember my 200 back and getting to the final.
“I thought I may have a chance and that I may get just one gold and that turned into 11, every battle was a small win and such a surprise, there’s no way to put it into words.”
Sheridan is a core part of a growing group of young swimmers coming out of the Territory including James Smith and Patrick Brown.
There’s also a strong coaching crew with Tim Few in particular having played an integral role in Sheridan’s love for the sport.
“The constant trainings and early mornings all go to something and at the moment that’s nationals in Brisbane,” she said.
“I’m really excited and that’s the short term goal, but long term is obviously the Olympics, fingers crossed, but wherever swimming takes me.
“Swimming hasn’t always been the most popular sport in the NT but it’s really amazing to see the great group of swimmers coming through and proud to be part of that great team, they’re my closest friends.
“I’m grateful for so many people from my coach who pulled me out of the car when I was eight and forced me to get into the pool, to my parents and four sisters who have supported me in so many ways.”
Muay Thai athlete Skyla Chatterton was named the Junior Sportsperson of the Year having proven herself on the international stage.
Chatterton represented Australia as part of the International Federation of Muaythai Association’s Australian Team and ranked third in the world for her age and division.
People, Sport and Culture Minister Jinson Charls congratulated all the winners.
“It’s inspiring to see young athletes like Macey and Skyla making their mark on the sporting world, and I look forward to watching their journeys unfold,” Mr Charls said.
“It was an honour to be part of this year’s event and to hear how much of an impact these winners have made on our community.”
Desmond Abbott was inducted into the Hall of Champions recognising his international achievements in hockey representing Australia in both the Olympic and Commonwealth games.
Stewart Cox OAM was posthumously awarded the Roll of Honour Award with his wife, Marian, attending to accept the award.
The 2022 NT Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Emma Stark, won the Steve Abala Role Model Award for her leadership both on and off the field, advocating for gender equality and diversity in sport.
Stark made history at just 16 as she became the youngest field umpire to officiate in an elite AFL competition, doing so during the 2022 AFLW season.
The event highlighted the importance of those who contribute behind the scenes, with awards presented for coaching excellence, officiating, volunteering, and sports safety.
“Sport brings people together, encourages us to challenge ourselves, and helps us live active and healthy lives,” Mr Charls said.
“Whether you’re performing or supporting these athletes from the sidelines, you play an important role in our community.”
The 2025 NT Sports Awards Winners
Sportsperson of the Year:
Macey Sheridan (Swimming)
Junior Sportsperson of the Year:
Skyla Chatterton (Muay Thai)
Masters Sportsperson of the Year:
Marc Woods (Athletics)
Team of the Year:
Northern Territory Judo Team
Local Performance of the Year:
Arafura Calisthenics Club Juniors
Eric Johnston Coach of the Year:
Bradley Fong (Judo)
Official of the Year:
Katherine Reynolds (Swimming)
Volunteer of the Year:
Malcolm Hales (Australian Rules Football)
Karen Schneider Sports Medicine Australia Safer Sport Award:
Sharyn Morcom (Rugby Union, Athletics, Australian Rules Football)
Hall of Champions Inductee:
Desmond Abbott (Hockey)
Roll of Honour Award:
Stewart Cox OAM
More Coverage
Sports shorts: Moto3 podium and triple gold athletics performance
A triple gold medal performance, a podium finish in Moto3, a wild round of FNT action and more headline this week’s edition of Sports Shorts.
Red Centre icon lauds return of interleague rivalry
A Central Australian footy icon will lead the CAFL against a visiting NTFL outfit to reignite an interleague rivalry after a 41 year hiatus. Read why he hopes it will become an annual event.