Sport Award: The 2024 nominees

Andre Murray-Jones (NSW) is a dedicated tennis coach and surf lifesaver, known for his commitment to promoting sports and healthy lifestyles. As an accountant for the Matraville Sports Centre, he combines his love for athletics with his expertise in economics, having earned a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney University.

In 2024, Andre achieved a remarkable feat by completing the Hoka Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, crossing the finish line proudly waving both the French and Australian flags. His passion for sports and community engagement makes him a standout figure in the sporting landscape, inspiring others to pursue their goals and embrace an active lifestyle.

Cassiel Rousseau (QLD) is a rising star in the world of diving, having made a swift and remarkable transition to the sport in 2017 after starting out in acrobatic gymnastics. Just a year later, he was crowned Australian Elite Junior Champion, showcasing his natural talent. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Cassiel reached the final of the Men’s 10-Metre Platform, marking his debut on the world stage.

In 2023, Cassiel made history by becoming Australia's first-ever World Champion in the Men’s 10-Metre Platform, a triumph that earned him the prestigious title of World Aquatics Diver of the Year. Known for his consistency and competitive spirit, he cites his grandfather as the greatest influence on his sporting career.

Outside of diving, Cassiel enjoys photography, motorbike riding, spending time with his puppy, and being with his girlfriend. He admits that consistency is both the most challenging and rewarding part of diving and, despite his success, doesn’t see himself taking up another sport if he weren’t a diver.

Cassiel has also competed internationally, including at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, where he participated in both the Men’s 10-Metre Synchro event, finishing in sixth place, and the Mixed 3m & 10m Team event, where he earned a bronze medal with a third-place finish.

Cassiel is also the grandson of French cyclist Michel Rousseau, who won gold in the men's sprint at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.

Celine Vinot is an Australian para-badminton player who competed at the 2024 Summer Paralympics. Born with cerebral palsy, Celine is classified as an SL3 player in para-badminton.

With a French father and an Australian mother, Celine has pursued a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Business Administration at the Australian Catholic University. Alongside her sporting career, she is also an accomplished chorist and French horn player.

Celine began playing para-badminton in 2014 and, by 2017, was competing internationally. She has since earned medals at the Oceania Para-Badminton Championships and advanced to the Women's Singles SL3 quarter-finals at the 2024 BWF Para Badminton World Championships. In 2024, she ranked 8th in the Women's SL3 world singles rankings. She currently trains at the Altona Badminton Centre and holds a scholarship with the Victorian Institute of Sport.

Johan Lequien (NSW) has been a dynamic figure within the French-Australian community, significantly contributing to sports and fostering international cooperation. As a passionate sports enthusiast, his roles have spanned multiple prestigious events, reflecting both his professionalism and commitment to excellence.

One of his most notable contributions was supporting the Australian team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he served as a driver and logistics support. This role, though often behind the scenes, was critical in ensuring smooth operations and timely logistics for the athletes and officials, facilitating their movement from the Olympic village to the competition sites and press events. He supported athletes like Jessica Fox, the rugby sevens team, and the skateboarding team. Johan’s dedication and professionalism were instrumental in the seamless movement of the Australian contingent throughout the event, showcasing his ability to work under pressure and adapt to a high-stakes international environment.

In addition to his involvement with the Olympics, Johan has been an active Technical Official for major triathlon events in Australia, including the World Triathlon Event in Townsville, where he was the only official representing France. His expertise in this role has given him significant responsibilities in ensuring the integrity and fairness of competitions, including aquathlon, duathlon, and triathlon events. His deep understanding of triathlon rules and regulations, coupled with his meticulous attention to detail, has earned him respect within the sporting community. Johan's efforts have helped elevate the standard of triathlon events across the country, positively impacting both athletes and fellow officials.

Beyond his direct contributions to sports, Johan has played a key role in strengthening ties between the French and Australian communities. His multicultural experiences and collaborative spirit have allowed him to serve as a bridge, fostering greater understanding and mutual support. Whether through his interactions with athletes, officials, or community members, or by coaching junior athletes in Sydney's Northern Beaches (ages 7 to 15), Johan has continuously exemplified the values of teamwork, dedication, and inclusivity.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has received positive feedback from both the Australian and French teams, as part of his involvement with the various organisations, who have praised his professionalism, calm demeanour, and willingness to go above and beyond. Stories of Johan stepping in to resolve last-minute challenges and ensuring smooth transitions have circulated widely, further solidifying his reputation as an essential figure in both the sporting and broader French-Australian communities.

Johan's involvement reflects the highest standards of dedication, service, and community engagement, making him a deserving nominee for this recognition. His impact will continue to resonate, not only through his professional accomplishments but also through the connections he has fostered between Australia and France.

Noemie Fox (Australian Olympic Team, NSW), born in 1997, is a French-born Australian slalom canoeist who has been competing at the international level since 2013. She has achieved remarkable success in her sport, including winning two world championships. Noémie made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by securing the gold medal in the women's slalom kayak cross, becoming the first-ever Olympic champion in this event.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Noémie brings a wealth of international corporate experience and a unique global perspective, having grown up in diverse cultures. This background has equipped her with exceptional interpersonal skills, allowing her to collaborate effectively within varied teams.

Noémie is driven by a strong ambition to leverage her business acumen, global mindset, and elite athlete qualities to foster innovation and create a positive social impact in organisations and communities. She is also proud to be the sister of Jessica Fox, who won the 2023 French-Australian Excellence Award, further underscoring the family's commitment to excellence in sport.

Pascal Guiraud is the Lead Swimming Coach at Lycée Condorcet Sydney (NSW), the International French School of Sydney. With unwavering dedication, he has become the cornerstone of the swimming program at LCS, passionately coaching and mentoring countless students and enthusiastic swimmers.

Pascal devotes his time and expertise to developing a strong sense of effort and competitive spirit among his athletes, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants. His commitment not only enhances the swimming skills of his students but also instils valuable life lessons in teamwork and perseverance.

Through his tireless efforts, Pascal plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of swimmers, contributing to the community's growth and promoting a love for sports at LCS.

Born in Australia, Sasha’s passion for athletics was evident from an early age. He honed his skills through dedicated training and has since emerged as a formidable competitor on the global stage. His commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of improvement have led him to achieve impressive results, earning him recognition in the competitive world of athletics.

Sasha’s achievements reflect not only his individual talent but also his determination to represent his heritage with pride. As he continues to break barriers and set new personal records, he serves as an inspiring role model for aspiring athletes, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

With a bright future ahead, Sasha Zhoya is poised to make a significant impact in the world of athletics, representing both his Australian roots and his French identity with honour and distinction.

Florence Llopis (ACT) serves as the principal of the Franco-Australian Lycée in Canberra, also known as Telopea Park School. With a career marked by diverse roles both in France and abroad, Florence has consistently focused on fostering innovation in education and driving the development of school communities.

Under her leadership, the Telopea Officiel basketball team recently celebrated a significant achievement at the 2024 AEFE Asian Basketball Cup in Cambodia. The girls' team secured a bronze medal, while the boys proudly brought home a gold medal. Florence’s commitment to supporting and uplifting educational teams and students is evident in her passion for empowering staff and creating an environment conducive to academic and personal success at the Lycée.

Her dedication to enhancing the quality of education, along with her strong advocacy for recognising the contributions of school teams, has made her an influential leader, ensuring that both students and staff thrive.