Noongar boxer and world title hopeful Alex Winwood has reflected on another 'pinch-yourself moment' after becoming a finalist for NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year, following a "whirlwind" couple of years bursting into the top of his sport.
The 26-year-old joins Adelaide United defender and young Socceroo Bailey O'Neill and marathon runner Natasha Leslie as finalists for the award.
Netball star Donnell Wallam, Lance Franklin, Paralympians, national champions and sporting inspirations have been honoured with the award in recent years.
Since 2021, Winwood has gone from Olympian to Commonwealth Games quarter finalist to knocking on the door as a strawweight world title belt contender after a 4-0 start to his professional career.
On receiving the call from the NAIDOC committee, he said "it's just a tremendous honour just to be considered, let alone be a finalist and attending (the ceremony)".
"It's quite special actually, it's a bit overwhelming," he told National Indigenous Times, "it's another pinch me moment".
"I've had a couple of them....I've found myself in places and in situations that I've just had to take a moment to realise what calibre of sportsperson I actually am," he said.
"From a small gym in Mandurah in a tin shed…now I'm rubbing shoulders with the best of the athletes in the country and in the world."
He said life has moved pretty fast 18 months on from his professional debut.
"It definitely has been a whirlwind. A lot's changed in not only my boxing career, but lifestyle...I couldn't have imagined that I was that I would be in this situation," Winwood said.
"Just turning pro only 18 months ago, and finding myself as the world number two, it's very surreal. I've set myself big goals and so far I'm kicking every one of them."
Winwood was due to fight a final eliminator for the WBC world title before a late cancellation to the entire fight night.
His sights remain set on the next opportunity.
The 2024 National NAIDOC Week Award winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony to be held in Tarndanya/Adelaide on Kaurna Yerta (Country) on Saturday 6 July.
