Mick and J-Dub’s heroics at J-Bay weren’t enough to get either of them over the line for this year’s “The Don” award.
Golfer Jason Day instead took home the award, which is given to the athlete thought to have given the most inspiring sporting performance over the past 12 months.
Throughout the year, Day overcame vertigo to win a bunch of PGA Tour events, including a 20 under par at one (apparently that’s good) to claim number one spot on the world rankings.
Scott’s mother accepted the award on his behalf at a glitzy old shindig at Melbourne’s MCG.
“I’d like to congratulate the other 11 nominees-what a fantastic year they’ve had,” Scott said via video message.
“From the Socceroos to Mick Fanning punching a bloody shark in the face, it’s been an amazing year.”
The plucky 27-year-old is the second golfer in three years to win the award, the other being Adam Scott in 2013.
In case you’ve been sleeping, Fanning and Julian Wilson were in with a shot after the carry on at J-Bay involving a large shark.
For that, they were awarded the consolatory “Spirit of Sport” Award and a rather controversial endorsement from Colonel Sanders.
Sally Fitzgibbons was also in with a shot after riding her way to victory at Fiji with a busted eardrum.
Pro surfing huh?… Sports’ perpetual bridesmaid.
