Ryan Britten claims Illawarra Academy of Sport's 2020 Tobin Family Award

The Cordeaux Heights teenager on Friday joined the likes of Sally Fitzgibbons and Blake Govers by receiving this year's Tobin Family Award - the Illawarra Academy of Sport's highest honour.

The award, which recognises the academy's Athlete of the Year, was presented by IAS representatives and sponsors DRB Group. It is named in honour of one of the academy's founding members Ted Tobin, an IAS stalwart for more than 20 years.

"It's a very exciting award because many Olympic athletes have won this award," 15-year-old Britten said.

"It feels really cool because you don't get to do stuff like this every day. It's exciting to see what will happen in the future."

2020 was a breakout year for Britten. Highlights included his selection in the NSW junior track team, winning gold at the NSW Criterium Championships and claiming seven gold medals at the NSW Junior Track Championships.

That medal haul, in particular, was satisfying.

"I was trying really hard to get that goal, and it felt good to win it," he said.

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Britten was elevated to the NSW Institute of Sport's cycling program and, last week, announced as IAS Cyclist of the Year. He said he had been in good form, despite the impact of COVID-19.

"The COVID process has been a challenge but I've managed to adapt with the help of my family and the IAS to continue my goals and to improve." he said.

"It's a good sport because I'm able to go up in the hills, escape the traffic and have a little ride on my own time.

"In a few months time, I have the track national championships coming up in Brisbane. so that will be a good time to see how I'm going through COVID."

Britten thanked the IAS, particularly his coaches, for their ongoing support.

"The academy has helped a lot to develop my tactics and strength-based work. It's pushed my further into the future of my cycling career," the teen said.

"My coaches have helped me a lot along the way, and still help me to do this day to get better."

See more: Britten in pursuit of higher honours after earning Academy accolade

Coach Mick Marshall said Britten's seven gold medal haul at the NSW Track Championships was "some of the best [racing] I have witnessed in a junior athlete at this event".

"Ryan has demonstrated a commitment to the pursuit of excellence through hard work," Marshall said.

"He has improved in all facets of his performance and skills development, and appears to be maintaining an upward trajectory within the Cycling Australia development pathway."