Herald’s Tom Decent wins top national prize for Olympics coverage

The Sydney Morning Herald sports journalist Tom Decent has won a prestigious national award for his reporting of the Olympics during the Paris 2024 Games.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) announced on Friday that Decent, who covered the Australian swimming team’s 18-medal haul in Paris, had become the fourth winner of the Harry Gordon Memorial Award, which recognises excellence in coverage of Olympic competition.

AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said a three-person judging panel had found Decent’s entries the best among a strong field of 21 Australian reporters who were on the ground to cover the Paris Games.

“We know how important great storytelling is to the strength of the Olympic movement and sharing the spirit of the Games in Australia, and we congratulate Tom on winning this prestigious award,” Carroll said.

Sydney Morning Herald sports journalist Tom Decent is the fourth winner of the Harry Gordon Memorial Award for Olympics coverage.Credit: Louise Kennerley

Decent’s entries included an exclusive story on Australian coach Michael Palfrey declaring he wanted a South Korean swimmer, who he had formerly worked with, to defeat two Australian athletes on the opening night of competition in the pool. Palfrey was later dismissed by Swimming Australia.

Another of his winning stories was a background piece on Cam McEvoy’s breathtaking win in the men’s 50m freestyle.

Decent, who will be presented with a trophy and a prize of $5000 at the AOC’s annual general meeting next month, said he was honoured to win the award, which is named in honour of the late distinguished Olympic historian, sportswriter, editor and author, who died in 2015, aged 89.

“I never had the privilege of meeting Harry but everything I’ve heard about him suggests we have a lot in common. To win an award in his name is a great thrill,” Decent said.

“A huge amount of planning went into our Olympics coverage, and it was extremely rewarding to see it enjoyed by readers.

“Also a big thanks to those at the AOC for their professionalism and for helping everything run smoothly for reporters and everyone involved in one of the greatest Olympics ever.”

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