Nyoongar boxer Alex Winwood hopes his legacy is one which inspires future generations to dream big and share in their successes as his personal list of honours grows.
On Saturday afternoon, the 27-year-old stood as an Olympian and Commonwealth Games athlete, WBC International champion, top 5 rated boxer in his weight class and a quickly emerging name knocking on the door of a world title.
Later that night, he added NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year to his already impressive list of accolades.
Barely 19 months on from his professional debut at the end of 2022, Winwood carries a 4-0 record with high regard.
However the softly-spoken Bunbury product was recognised not just for his achievements in the ring, but impact on community as a role model and work in schools.
Speaking at Saturday's awards ceremony on Kaurna country, Winwood thanked his mob at home in WA, his wife and family for their support over the journey.
"Every person who now looks up to me, it's a testament to them (Winwood's loved ones) for giving myself role models to look up to in life," he said.
Speaking to National Indigenous Times on his nomination last month, the fighter said the recognition as one of three finalists was "a bit overwhelming", a "tremendous honour, just to be considered" and "another pinch me moment" among a string in recent years.
Winwood was joined by two finalists, Gummipingal woman and World Majors marathon conqueror Natasha Leslie, and Arrernte and Yankunytjatjara Young Socceroo Bailey O'Neill.
"I was hoping that I would win as it is a huge achievement but there was three finalists that were all deserving of the award," Winwood told National Indigenous Times on Monday.
While the boxer said it was a "very proud" moment to have earned the honour in front of the nation, he hopes there's a greater impact from what the career and accomplishments he carves out.
"I hope to inspire young Nyoongar kids and other mob to dream big and cheer one another on to their dreams," he said.
"Stay proud, stay Blak, stay deadly," Winwood said in closing his winner's speech on Saturday.
Back in the ring, Winwood remains poised to make Australian history at a national pace towards wearing a world title belt if plans continue falling into place.
After earning a WBC Strawweight final eliminator shot at taking front seat for a chance to fight for the title, a late cancellation pushed out the opportunity in the short term.
