Leek outshone fellow monthly award recipients representing rugby league, boxing, athletics and motorcross, to claim the coveted prize on the strength of outstanding international performances in disabled swimming throughout the past 12 months.

The 18-year-old, who left the following day for a Kuala Lumpur training camp ahead of the Games, said the win gave him an extra boost of confidence going into Beijing.

“I’ll be going to Beijing carrying my head a little higher now I think,” Leek told The Gazette.

He said he didn’t expect to win, especially after hearing the fellow nominees.

“The calibre of athletes was really high, and they had such outstanding achievements, like playing rugby league for the Penrith Panthers – that’s a big achievement,” he said.

“I’m honoured and overwhelmed to be recognised in the Hawkesbury area as an outstanding sportsperson.”

Leek also said it was good to see Paralympians being acknowledged in the Hawkesbury for their efforts.

“It’s nice to see myself, Kara and Sian nominated for the Sportsperson of the Year awards, and follow in the footsteps of Julie Higgins – the para-equestrian rider who won the award in 2001,” he said.

Leek also took home the gong for Athletes with a Physical Impairment, thanking his coach Jackie Barck and fellow squad training members.

Hawkesbury sporting’s night of nights was dominated by swimming and boxing stars, who cleaned up in all but one category. However, some of the winners were absent from the awards presentation due to their sporting commitments. The Senior Sports-person of the Year award went to Olympic boxer Luke Boyd, who was still in Beijing last Friday.

Boyd’s father accepted the trophy on his son’s behalf, thanking Richmond Boxing Club coach John Barber for getting his son to where he is today.

Wizards swimming star Wally Eggleton was in the middle of competing at the NSW State Open Shortcourse Championships at Homebush when he was announced as the Junior Sportsperson of the Year.