Olympic Games champion Kim Brennan has won the most prestigious prize in international rowing, adding the Thomas Keller Medal to her trophy cabinet a year after retiring.
Brennan was honoured at an awards function in London on Saturday, capping her remarkable career and drawing a line under her career as an athlete.
The Rio gold-medal winner officially retired 12 months ago, but will be the Australian team deputy chef de mission for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
But World Rowing had one final surprise for Brennan, presenting her with the award which recognises "an exceptional rowing career and exemplary sportsmanship".
Brennan was the first Australian to win the prize since Drew Ginn five years ago.
She won single sculls gold at Rio, and silver (double sculls) and bronze (single sculls) at the London Olympics. She is also a two-time world champion.
"I've been transitioning to life off the water and it's actually the realisation that there's a joy of watching your peers and teammates become the best they can," Brennan said.