The Female Athlete Project (TFAP) brought together elite athletes, teams, industry executives, sporting associations, coaches, and fans for the highly anticipated 2026 TFAP Awards. The prestigious event celebrated the trailblazing women rewriting the narrative of Australian sport across 10 distinct categories.
Fifteen-time World Champion cliff diver Rhiannan Iffland was unanimously named the 2026 TFAP Athlete of the Year. The pinnacle honour recognises Iffland’s historic achievement in securing her 10th consecutive Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Championship earlier this year. Rhiannan’s win follows 100 nominations and 7000 votes across the categories.
“Upon winning the night’s top honour, Rhiannan Iffland reflected, “It is an honour to win tonight’s award. To be nominated in this category with some incredible people, shows the depth and excitement in women’s sport. For me personally, to win 10 consecutive championships is something I am incredibly proud of”.
The 2026 awards night showcased the immense depth of talent, leadership, and resilience within the Australian sporting landscape, spanning grassroots pioneers to international icons.
“As a former athlete, I know how much it means to have your hard work recognised,” said Chloe Dolton, Founder of The Female Athlete Project. “To honour women in sport through the TFAP Awards in such a prestigious way is incredibly special. These awards celebrate how far we’ve come and the women whose dedication is creating greater opportunities for the next generation. To bring together all these incredible athletes and the wider sporting community in one room is an honour.”
More than an evening of celebration, the TFAP Awards serve as a strategic initiative designed to elevate the visibility, voices, and stories of women in sport, driving commercial appreciation and cultural value across the industry.
The full list of the 2026 TFAP Awards winners includes:
- The Rising Tide: Amy Parmenter (Australian Netball Player)
- Outstanding Official (M&F): Sarah Loh (CEO, Softball Australia)
- One to Watch: Ebony Stevenson (Australian Wheelchair Basketball Player)
- The Return: Georgia Godwin (Australian Artistic Gymnast)
- Voice of the Game: Emma Lawrence (Sports Host & Commentator)
- International Impact: Tilly Kearns (2 x Olympian Water Polo Player)
- Team of the Year: Sydney Roosters (NRLW)
- Moment of the Year: 2026 Commonwealth Games Mile, The Podium Sweep – Abbey Caldwell, Jess Hull and Claudia Hollingsworth
- Hall of Fame: Lydia Williams (Former Australian Professional Soccer Player)
- TFAP Athlete of the Year: Rhiannan Iffland (15 x World Champion Cliff Diver)
To keep up to date on women in sport, follow TFAP via their newsletter, podcast and social media @thefemaleathleteproject plus via with website https://www.thefemaleathleteproject.com/
More than a platform, The Female Athlete Project [TFAP] is a movement. We celebrate women athletes, amplify their voices, and drive conversations that challenge the status quo, inspiring change and advocating for equity in sport.
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