Sevens, Steelers claim AIS gongs

The Aussie Sevens have added yet another award to their 2016 accolades, winning the Team of the Year at the AIS Sports Performance Awards.

Australia’s gold medallists beat out national wheelchair rugby team the Steelers, the 4x100m women’s relay team and the men’s cycling team pursuit.

Congratulations Women's Sevens #Rugby, #ASPAs Team of the Year 2016, Olympic gold medallists at Rio’s Sevens Olympic debut #rugby7s pic.twitter.com/v1kInAtHU8

— Australian Sport (@Ausport) December 14, 2016

The Steelers claimed their own moment in the spotlight, awarded Para Performance of the Year after a Paralympic gold medal performance in Rio, clinching a thrilling final in Brazil for their second consecutive Paralympic win.

Tim Walsh was pipped in the coach of the year category by sailing’s Michael Blackburn, who engineered back-to-back laser gold medals in Rio, while Charlotte Caslick missed out on the main award, Sports Personality of the Year, with Chloe Esposito taking out the final honour.

Walsh said the award was a significant one, but with the 2016-17 World Series already well underway, their focus was firmly on the future.

"We are of course honoured to be recognised at such a prestigious event and to be rubbing shoulders with Australia's finest athletes and administrators. The victories were a culmination of strategic planning, talent, trust, some really hard work and fun. 

"The memories we shared will forever last, but all of that is now in the past.

"We now look forward to delivering the essential factor, and proving to ourselves that we have the character to continue to perform at our best." 

 The Aussie Sevens will next play in Sydney in February, kicking off proceedings on Friday February 3, 2017. Buy tickets for the 2017 Sydney Sevens here.