The 20-year-old swimmer from the New South Wales, who has cerebral palsy, proved the most successful athlete of London 2012 as she claimed eight wins from eight events to break Siobhan Paton's Australian record of six gold medals at a single Paralympics.

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard chose Freney for the prestigious prize following that stellar performance in London and the swimmer accepted the award from Minister for Sport Kate Lundy at the Women's Health magazine "I Support Women in Sport" Awards which were held at Paddington Town Hall in Sydney.

It comes after Freney was named the 2012 Australian Paralympian of the Year last month and was honoured by Australia Post with a special commemorative stamp.


Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) President Greg Hartung has led the congratulations for Freney following her latest prize.

"This is an outstanding achievement for Jacqueline and is something of which the entire Australian Paralympic movement is very proud," said Hartung," who is also vice-president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

"Jacqueline's performances in London were simply excellent and were testament to her years of hard work and perseverance, as well as her dedication to swimming.

"Ever committed to the pursuit of excellence, she is already back in the pool training for Rio.

"The Australian Paralympic Committee is proud of its work in providing female athletes with a disability the opportunities and support to participate and excel in sport.

"The 2012 Paralympic Team was 44 per cent female, a ratio that has been increasing since the first Paralympic Games in 1960."


The award was reinstated by the Gillard Government earlier this year, making Freney the first recipient since 1996.

It was reinstated to coincide with Women's Health Magazine's 'I Support Women in Sport' campaign while the awards recognise the achievements of Australian sportswomen in all levels of sport from the grass-roots through to high performance.

Paralympic wheelchair basketballer Bridie Kean was also a winner on the night, collecting the Fair Fighter award for sportsmanship.

Kean captained the Australian women's wheelchair basketball team at the London Paralympics where the team won a silver medal.

The 25-year-old notched up 16 individual points and 32 rebounds in London 2012 and she was also congratulated by Hartung.

"Sport isn't what it is, without sportsmanship," said the APC President.

"It is something that Australian Paralympians are renowned for on the international stage and it is a great honour for Bridie and no doubt the entire Gliders team, to be recognised in this way."

Australian women's goalball captain Meica Christensen was also nominated for the Leadership Legend award, which was eventually won by Australian women's basketball team captain Lauren Jackson.

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