The Illawarra Academy of Sport, in 2002, created a new annual perpetual award which recognises excellence in junior sport in the Illawarra.

The award, presented to the Illawarra Academy of Sport’s Athlete of the Year, was named “The Tobin Family Award” in recognition of that family’s contribution to sports in the Illawarra for more than 65 years.

The Illawarra Mercury Tobin Family Award is given to the Academy athlete who, during the course of their scholarship, displays an exception level of sports performance, a commendable attitude to competition, persistent dedication to learning and strong community focus.

Past winners include Kieran Govers, Sally Fitzgibbons, Ryan Gregson, Emma McKeon and Blake Govers.

The recipient of the award receives a trophy and a $5000 scholarship to assist in their continued development within their chosen sport.

Abby Holmes is a star of the future and a female athlete to watch out for in Tokyo 2020.

Abby is a member of the IAS Rugby 7’s Program who in 2017 represented at all levels, from Illawarra, NSW Country, NSW and tasted international success as part of the Australian Women’s Youth Rugby 7’s team who swept the competition to claim gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

This is the highest honour achievable in Rugby 7’s for her age.

After guiding the NSW team to second place at the National Championships, Abby was selected for the Australian team for the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas where they were undefeated on their way to claiming the gold medal.

Abby has achieved all of this as a 16-year-old with another year in the national side, which is looking to back up their Commonwealth Games gold with Olympic gold at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

The Year 11 Illawarra Sports High School student is leading the way both on and off the field, achieving academic success, finishing second in two of her subjects while missing many days due to her sporting success.

It is a testament to her dedication and commitment to both sport and studies.

Abby is an outstanding athlete achieving success in touch football, Oz Tag, rugby league and all forms of rugby union including 15’s, 10’s and 7’s.

Abby has great potential in Rugby 7’s with 2018 set to be another big year with the Youth Olympics.

Hopefully she’ll be there to help the Australian Women’s Team defend their Rio gold medal in Tokyo in 2020.