## Korey Boddington Crowned Australian Cyclist of the Year
Queensland Para-cyclist Korey boddington has been awarded the most prestigious prize in Australian cycling,winning the Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy for the 2025 Australian Cyclist of the Year.
The four-time world champion was presented with the Oppy Medal at the AusCycling Awards ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Boddington, 30, achieved outstanding success at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro in October. He won the men’s C3 world titles in three individual events – the sprint, 1km time trial and elimination race – before producing a crucial performance in third wheel to clinch victory for the ARA australian Cycling Team in the mixed C1-5 team sprint.
He comprehensively broke two world records in the process: the flying 200m and the 1km time trial.
Boddington, who grew up on the Sunshine coast and represents the University of Queensland Cycle Club, also won five Oceania titles and four national titles in 2025.
Today’s accolade is the latest in Boddington’s meteoric rise over the last two years.
At the age of 11, Boddington was hit by a van, suffering serious injuries including nerve damage to his right arm. At age 15, a severe motocross accident left him with an acquired brain injury.He began track cycling in early 2023, won a Paralympic gold medal in 2024, and now joins the likes of Anna Meares and cadel Evans on an exclusive honour roll.
In his acceptance speech, Boddington said it hadn’t been arduous to stay motivated after the highs of paris 2024.
“I just want to be as fast as I can be. I’ve got this crazy dream, I want to go under a minute [in the 1km time trial] and under 10 seconds in the 200. I think, if I keep chasing those goals, we can kick a lot of goals along the way. Why not see what’s possible?” he said, before going on to thank his supporters.
“The QAS have just been phenomenal in my success. In everything, they’ve supported me. David Betts – anyone that’s seen the film[[Changing Track],there was point in time where they sat me down and said,’Paris is problably a bit too big to plan for,so we’ll look towards LA,but you’ve got potential.’
“In my cocky head, I kind of went, ‘yeah alright mate, watch this.’ And I went to Paris and won.
“My fiancée, she’s studying medicine, she’s a big inspiration. She’s taken a lot of sacrifices in our relationship and makes me want to go hard and make it worthwhile.
“AusCycling supported from day one.Haven’t blinked an eye.
“My favorite part of Paris last year was coming back to australia and going to the welcome home ceremonies. You realize the results are bloody awesome, but seeing how sport brings the whole community together, getting behind the Aussies, that’s what it’s all about.”
Marne Fechner, Chief Executive Office of AusCycling, congratulated the winners and finalists of the AusCycling Awards.
“Throughout this year, Australia’s cyclists and
Australian Para-Cyclists Dominate AusCycling Awards
Melbourne, Australia – December 4, 2025 – Australian Para-cycling has been celebrated at the AusCycling Awards, with multiple athletes recognized for their outstanding achievements in 2025. The ceremony, held in person for the first time since AusCycling’s formation in 2020, also saw 12 longstanding contributors inducted into the AusCycling Hall of Fame.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Boddington, who, alongside Tahlia Clayton-Goodie, won the prestigious Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy. This marks the second consecutive year, and the third time in the last three years, that a Para-cyclist has claimed the coveted award, named after the legendary Australian cyclist of the 1920s and 30s, first presented in 1958 to Russell Mockridge.Boddington’s win specifically acknowledges their success in the Mixed C1-5 750m Team Sprint World Championship.
“For two Para-cyclists to win the Oppy in the last three years reflects the strength and depth of australian Para-cycling,” said AusCycling representative Fechner. “It’s a testament to the world-leading staff and systems we have in place to support our athletes.”
Tahlia Clayton-Goodie was awarded Track Para-athlete of the Year, while Boddington received the Male Track Para-athlete of the Year award.
On the road cycling circuit, Paralympic medallists Darren Hicks and Lauren Parker were honored as the Male and Female Road Para-cyclists of the Year, respectively, for their extraordinary performances throughout the international season.
Beyond the athlete awards,AusCycling also honored veteran race promoters john Trevorrow and Phill Bates,along with ten other individuals,by inducting them into the AusCycling Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrates their long-term dedication and contributions to the sport.
The awards ceremony signifies a strong period for Australian cycling and Para-cycling, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to developing and supporting athletes at the highest level.
Image Credit: AusCycling
Source: AusCycling.
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