The 2010 Thomas Keller Medal will be presented tomorrow (Sunday) to James Tomkins, Australian rowing legend and stroke of the famous Oarsome Foursome, on the victory ceremony pontoon at 2.10pm after the Lightweight Women's Single Sculls A Final.
The 18-carat gold Medal, which is rowing's highest distinction, will be presented to Tomkins on behalf of the Keller Family by Denis Oswald, President of FISA.
Tomkins was a member of Australia's legendary Oarsome Foursome along with Drew Ginn, Mike McKay and Nick Green. His areer spanned over 23 years, beginning in 1985 at age 19. By the age of 20, Tomkins was already a world champion. In 1988, Tomkins made the first of his six Olympic Games appearance in Seoul.
For more information on James Tomkins:
2010 Thomas Keller Medal Announcement
James Tomkins (AUS) - biography
About the Thomas Keller Medal
The Thomas Keller Medal is the highest distinction in the sport of rowing. It is awarded to recognise an exceptional international rowing career as well as exemplary sportsmanship and legendary aspect.
The award was named after the late President of FISA, Thomas Keller (Thomi). Born in 1924, Keller was elected President of FISA in 1958, at the age of 34 and was then the youngest-ever president of an international sports federation.
Following the 1988 Olympics, Thomi Keller spontaneously awarded the FISA Medal of Honour to Peter-Michael Kolbe and Pertti Karppinen to commem commemorate one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the sport and recognising their exceptional talent and sportsmanship. This shaped the idea of the Thomas Keller Medal which was initiated by the Keller family following Thomi's passing in 1989 and was first awarded to the great Norwegian oarsman Alf Hans en in 1990.
Each year, the winner is carefully selected by the Thomas Keller Medal committee, after a broad international nomination process, to ensure that the true values in which Thomas Keller so strongly believed are represented in this award.
A full list of previous Thomas Keller Medallists can be viewed here.
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