Marschall Crowned Australia’s Top Male Athlete

Western Australian pole vault star Kurtis Marschall has capped a standout international season by being named 2025 John Landy Male Able Bodied Athlete of the Year at the Australian Athletics Awards last month.

Marschall’s award-winning year was highlighted by a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships, adding another major international podium to his resume. He also delivered a series of strong performances across the Diamond League circuit, repeatedly finishing among the top competitors against the world’s leading pole vaulters.

The honour places Marschall at the forefront of Australian athletics, acknowledging his consistency and competitiveness across the global season and cementing his place among Australia's premier athletes. His achievements contributed to a landmark year for Australian track and field, marked by depth, global success and historic performances.

The Australian Athletics Awards recognise performances delivered between 1 January and 30 November 2025, celebrating excellence across able-bodied and para-athletics, coaching and officiating.

2025 Australian Athletics Awards recipients

Bruce McAvaney Performance of the Year
Nicola Olyslagers (NSW)

Marjorie Jackson Female Athlete of the Year
Nicola Olyslagers (NSW)

John Landy Male Athlete of the Year
Kurtis Marschall (WA)

Amy Winters Female Para Athlete of the Year
Vanessa Low (ACT)

Russell Short Male Para Athlete of the Year
James Turner (ACT)

Female Junior Athlete of the Year
Delta Amidzovski (NSW)

Male Junior Athlete of the Year
Gout Gout (QLD)

Coach of the Year
Matt Horsnell (NSW)

Pathways Coach of the Year
Diane Sheppard (QLD)

Official of the Year
Janet Nixon (NSW)

By Imogen McDonald, Athletics West
Additional reporting by Australian Athletics
Posted 6 January 2026