Beijing Olympics diving gold medallist Matthew Mitcham has upstaged a star-studded field to win the 2008 Sports Performer of the Year award in Melbourne tonight.
Mitcham's heroics in scoring a record-breaking result on his final dive to claim individual gold in the men's 10m platform event was enough to win the award, organised by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and announced at a gala function at Crown Casino.
Mitcham scored an incredible four perfect 10s, to steal the gold from favoured Chinese diver Luxin Zhou. It was a massive upset, snatching gold in front of a fiercely patriotic Chinese home crowd.
The young diver will snare $50,000 from the awards' sponsor, Colonial First State.
His story is a remarkable tale of overcoming difficulties. Matthew battled depression and retired in his teenage years after physical and emotional burn-out. But just nine months after resuming training he achieved the ultimate in his chosen sport.
He is also believed to be the first Australian to openly declare his homosexuality before competing at an Olympic Games.
Via theage
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