Judo Western Australia is proud to announce that the Judo WA 2025 State Team has been named a finalist for Team of the Year at the 2025 WA Sport Awards, as announced by SportWest on Thursday, 18 December 2025.

With a record 265 nominations across 13 categories, this year’s WA Sport Awards reflect the extraordinary depth, diversity, and strength of sport across Western Australia. To be recognised among the finalists in such a competitive field is a significant achievement and a testament to the outstanding performances delivered by our athletes and coaches throughout the year.

The Judo WA 2025 State Team earned finalist status following a historic campaign at the 2025 Australian National Judo Championships, where Western Australia was crowned Champion State, finishing first overall on the medal tally.

Across three days of competition, WA athletes delivered exceptional performances across all age divisions, showcasing the depth of talent, quality of coaching, and strength of the judo community across the state. The nomination recognises not only podium success, but the collective effort of athletes, coaches, managers, clubs, families, and volunteers who contributed to this outstanding result.

Judo WA congratulates the other finalists in the Team of the Year category — Perth Steel Women (Volleyball) and Perth Thundersticks Women (Hockey) — and looks forward to celebrating alongside them at the Awards ceremony.

While Judo WA was selected as a finalist in the Team of the Year category, the organisation is proud of the strong suite of nominations put forward across multiple award categories in 2025. These nominations reflected the depth of achievement, leadership, innovation, and community impact within WA judo over the past 12 months.

Other nominations submitted by Judo WA included:

• Administrator of the Year: Jacob Read (CEO, Judo WA), recognising leadership that extends well beyond expectations, combining strategic reform, hands-on delivery, international engagement, and community-focused governance to strengthen judo in Western Australia at every level.
• Organisation of the Year: Judo Western Australia, acknowledging a transformative year across participation, performance, sustainability, and governance.
• Sport Initiative of the Year: WA–Japan Judo Exchange Program, highlighting international engagement and pathway development for young athletes.
• Community Club of the Year: UWA Judo Club, recognising its inclusive culture, international exchanges, and leadership as Australia’s largest judo club.
• Official of the Year: Celeste Knoester, acknowledging her achievement in earning her IJF International Referee Licence and officiating at world-level events.

While not all nominations progressed to finalist status, Judo WA sees their submission as an important reflection of the strength, ambition, and progress of the sport in Western Australia. Each nomination tells a story of commitment, community, and the shared pursuit of excellence.

The 2025 WA Sport Awards will be held on Thursday, 26 February 2026, celebrating the individuals, teams, clubs, and organisations that continue to shape and inspire sport across the state.

Judo WA congratulates all finalists and nominees across every category and thanks SportWest for recognising the vital role sport plays in connecting communities and creating opportunities for all Western Australians.

We look forward to proudly representing the WA judo community at the Awards night and celebrating what has been an exceptional year for our sport.