James Marthins - Pierre de Coubertin Award

Rowing WA would like to congratulate James Marthins, successful recipient of the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin Award.

The Pierre de Coubertin Award recognises secondary school students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities.

More than 15,500 young Australians have received the Award since its inception in 1993 including Olympic Rowers, Kim Brennan & Sally Kehoe.

Each year, secondary school teachers are invited to nominate one recipient for the Pierre de Coubertin Award from year 10, 11 or 12.  This year, James Marthins – Captain of the Trinity College Rowing Team – has been honoured as a recipient of this prestigious award.

As Captain of Rowing, he has been an inspiring leader in considering all the athletes around him.  At this year’s PSA Head of the River, Trinity College won the Hamer Cup for best overall performance, but were unsuccessful in winning the prized Head of the River in what was a very tight race between Guildford Grammar & Trinity for the finish.

James displayed great sportsmanship in his acceptance speech when being awarded with the Hamer Cup.  He could have shown great disappointment in not winning the trophy he so desired.  However, he displayed a level of decorum in his speech gaining him the respect of all head coaches, particularly the winning head coach.

James sportsmanlike behavior and respect to all members of the rowing community are an example of the values that this Award recognizes in young athletes.  In a letter that James received from the WA Olympic Council, they are quoted as saying;

“On behalf of the Western Australian Olympic Council, congratulations on your successful nomination to receive the Pierre de Coubertin Award. The nominations received this year were outstanding and the high standard of nominations exemplifies our talented youth.”

Congratulations again James on this wonderful honour!

The Australian Olympic Committee has shared the following article on their website about the Pierre De Cubertin Awards day. Click here to have a read