Seven West Media is celebrating the recent honour awarded to esteemed broadcaster Bruce McAvaney OAM, who was recognised with the World Athletics President’s Award. The ceremony, held in Monaco, saw Bruce rewarded for his outstanding contributions to athletics broadcasting over his distinguished career.
The President’s Award, presented by Sebastian Coe, recognises individuals who have made substantial contributions to the sport of athletics. Since its inception in 2016, the award has become one of the most significant accolades in global sport. Bruce is one of Australia’s most loved and respected sports commentators. He began his broadcasting journey with 7NEWS Adelaide in 1978, and since then, has covered a wide range of sports, with a special affection for athletics.
Bruce McAvaney’s name is synonymous with major Australian sporting events. His extensive portfolio includes the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup, Australian Open tennis, Test cricket, and the Summer Olympic Games. He has covered every Olympics from Moscow in 1980 to the anticipated Paris 2024 Games, with the sole exception being the 2012 Games.
Kerry Stokes AC, Chairman of Seven West Media, shared, “I have known Bruce for three decades and love the guy. He is synonymous with athletics and many other sports, and I am very proud of his huge contribution to Seven Sport’s success.”
Upon receiving the award, Bruce shared, “Athletics has been the central thread of my career at Seven and is a sport I hold incredibly close to my heart. To be honoured in this way, and by someone I have such enormous admiration for in Sebastian Coe, is truly one of the highlights of my career.
“The timing makes it feel especially meaningful. I genuinely believe Australian athletics is entering a revitalised golden era, and with the renewed focus on the sport right now, this recognition carries even greater significance for me.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Bruce has provided commentary for unforgettable moments in athletics, including Cathy Freeman’s iconic race at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Ollie Hoare’s recent triumphs. He said, “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work across many major events and sports, but nothing compares to athletics at the highest level. The opportunity to call those defining, once-in-a-lifetime moments… are what fuel my passion and make my job as a broadcaster so special.”
Catherine Freeman OAM, also commented, “Bruce McAvaney is a gift to us all. His voice, his charisma and his ability to tell athlete’s stories while taking sports fans along for the ride, is an experience for us all to behold.
“Bruce continues to connect sports lovers through his passion, professionalism and his infectious love for life that has shone the whole way through his broadcasting career.”
The recognition of Bruce McAvaney by World Athletics with the President’s Award is an acknowledgement of his exceptional career and his enduring impact on the world of sports broadcasting.
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