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Queensland Para-cyclist Korey Boddington has been awarded the most prestigious prize in Australian cycling, winning the Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy for the 2025 Australian Cyclist of the Year.
The four-time world champion was presented with the Oppy Medal at the AusCycling Awards ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Boddington, 30, achieved outstanding success at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro in October. He won the men’s C3 world titles in three individual events – the sprint, 1km time trial and elimination race – before producing a crucial performance in third wheel to clinch victory for the ARA Australian Cycling Team in the mixed C1-5 team sprint.
He comprehensively broke two world records in the process: the flying 200m and the 1km time trial.
Boddington, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast and represents the University of Queensland Cycle Club, also won five Oceania titles and four national titles in 2025.
Today’s accolade is the latest in Boddington’s meteoric rise over the last two years.
At the age of 11, Boddington was hit by a van, suffering serious injuries including nerve damage to his right arm. At age 15, a severe motocross accident left him with an acquired brain injury. He began track cycling in early 2023, won a Paralympic gold medal in 2024, and now joins the likes of Anna Meares and Cadel Evans on an exclusive honour roll.
In his acceptance speech, Boddington said it hadn’t been difficult to stay motivated after the highs of Paris 2024.
“I just want to be as fast as I can be. I’ve got this crazy dream, I want to go under a minute [in the 1km time trial] and under 10 seconds in the 200. I think, if I keep chasing those goals, we can kick a lot of goals along the way. Why not see what’s possible?” he said, before going on to thank his supporters.
“The QAS have just been phenomenal in my success. In everything, they’ve supported me. David Betts – anyone that’s seen the film [Changing Track], there was point in time where they sat me down and said, ‘Paris is probably a bit too big to plan for, so we’ll look towards LA, but you’ve got potential.’
“In my cocky head, I kind of went, ‘yeah alright mate, watch this.’ And I went to Paris and won.
“My fiancée, she’s studying medicine, she’s a big inspiration. She’s taken a lot of sacrifices in our relationship and makes me want to go hard and make it worthwhile.
“AusCycling supported from day one. Haven’t blinked an eye.
“My favourite part of Paris last year was coming back to Australia and going to the welcome home ceremonies. You realise the results are bloody awesome, but seeing how sport brings the whole community together, getting behind the Aussies, that’s what it’s all about.”
Marne Fechner, Chief Executive Office of AusCycling, congratulated the winners and finalists of the AusCycling Awards.
“Throughout this year, Australia’s cyclists and riders have shown the discipline, perseverance and strength of character it takes to succeed on our sport’s biggest stage.
“Korey’s performances on the track, highlighted by his four World Championship gold medals, have been nothing short of outstanding. Just as importantly, Korey’s story of determination – learning to walk and talk again after his life-changing injuries, then dedicating himself to his Paralympic dream – challenges our assumptions about what we can all achieve.
“To become the Australian Cyclist of the Year less than two years since becoming competitive cycling – that is a remarkable achievement.”
Boddington becomes only the second Para-cyclist to win the Oppy, two years after Amanda Reid achieved the feat in 2023.
“For two Para-cyclists to win the Oppy in the last three years reflects the strength and depth of Australian Para-cycling,” Fechner said. “It’s a testament to the world-leading staff and systems we have in place to support our athletes.”
Other Para-cyclists recognised for their achievements on Australian cycling’s night of nights included Victorian rising star Tahlia Clayton-Goodie, who won Track Para-athlete of the Year alongside Boddington, who won on the Male award on the Track.
On the road, Paralympic medallists Darren Hicks (Male) and Lauren Parker (Female) were awarded the Athlete of the Year prizes for their outstanding years on the Road Para-Cycling international circuit.
The Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy, named after the legendary cyclist of the 1920s and 30s, was first awarded to Russell Mockridge in 1958.
Wednesday’s ceremony marks the first time AusCycling has hosted its Awards in person since its formation in 2020. Alongside the award winners, 12 longstanding contributors to cycling were inducted into the AusCycling Hall of Fame, including veteran race promoters John Trevorrow and Phill Bates.
Image Credit to AusCycling.
By AusCycling.
Published 4 December, 2025.
