Wilson & Johnson Receive Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarships

Snow Australia athletes Charlotte Wilson and James Johnson join 30 athletes from 32 different sports who will share $150,000 in funding through the Sport Australia Hall of Fame 2026 Scholarship and Mentoring Program.

Both have received a Tier 2 scholarship, that entitles them each to a $5,000 sporting expenses grant and also receive merchandise from the Sport Australia Hall of Fame partners, BLACKROLL and Grip Star Socks.

Charlotte Wilsongrew up in Jindabyne and started skiing at age three, quickly discovering her passion for mogul skiing. She joined the Australian Development Team and became a NSWIS scholarship holder in 2022, beginning her international competition journey on the North American Cup Tour. 

In 2024, she made her World Cup debut in Ruka, Finland, and in only her second year was crowned FIS Mogul Skiing Rookie of the Year and made history with a World Cup gold in dual moguls at Livigno, Italy in just her 10th start. 

It was the fastest gold ever by an Australian skier, making her only the third Australian woman to win a FIS Freestyle Mogul World Cup. While she is currently training to aim to qualify for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games, she’s also completing a double degree at UNSW with ambitions to work in prosthetics and inspire the next generation of skiers.

Charlotte Wilson said:  “Being a SAHOF scholarship recipient is an amazing opportunity which I believe will greatly benefit my success both within sport and support my life outside of sport. 

“I am extremely grateful for the SAHOF's support, and the scholarship motivates me to work harder to achieve my best on the world stage. I am excited to continue working on myself as an athlete and to use every opportunity the SAHOF scholarship offers to succeed, and I feel very privileged to be recognised in a program that has supported Australia's greatest athletes.”

Snowboard cross athlete James Johnstonefirst took to the snow at Mt Hotham at age seven, sparking a lifelong passion for racing. 

Known for its speed and unpredictability, snowboard cross has shaped James into a courageous and resilient competitor. 

By 2023, he had claimed Junior World Championship gold in the mixed team event, followed by European Cup victories in 2024 and a debut World Cup season that ranked him 49th in the world. 

Strong results at the 2025 Australia-New Zealand Cup boosted him to 22nd in world ranking points as he eyes qualification for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics and future podium finishes. Off the slopes, James is passionate about sports media and plans to complete a Journalism degree at UTS after the Games, aiming to build a career as a commentator or presenter once his competitive career ends.

James Johnson said: “Being awarded a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship is an incredible honour and a huge step forward in my career. 

“It recognises the hard work I’ve put into reaching the World Cup level and supports my goal of qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Beyond the financial assistance, this Scholarship connects me with Australia’s most inspiring sporting community, giving me the chance to learn, grow, and represent my sport with pride. It motivates me to push harder, chase success on the world stage, and contribute to the growth of snowboarding in Australia.”

The scholarship program is backed by the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport. Harvey Norman is co-sponsor through its three-year Gold Sponsorship with the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, which commenced in February 2025. This partnership supports the Hall of Fame’s Scholarship & Mentoring Program, reinforcing Harvey Norman’s commitment to Australian sport and athletes both on and off the field.

Australian Sports Commission Chair Kate Jenkins AOcongratulated the 2026 scholarship recipients. 

“The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship program embodies everything we are striving for at the Australian Sports Commission, producing well-rounded individuals who are set up for success beyond sport. The record number of applications is a testament to this important initiative.

 “I congratulate all the recipients and wish them well for their future endeavours.” 

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair and legend of Australian Sport, John Bertrand AO, said:

“We are proud to welcome the next generation of elite junior athletes into our 2026 Scholarship & Mentoring Program. This initiative is a place where talent meets opportunity and dreams are fuelled by the guidance and support of some of Australia's GREATEST sporting stars.

“Hall of Famers Michael Milton, Louise Sauvage, Adam Gilchrist, Robbie McEwen, Libby Trickett and Dr Lauren Burns – what an incredible group of Australian sporting champions to mentor these young athletes.

“This program is made possible through the generosity of our Members, and we are grateful to them for sharing their personal experiences and wisdom to inspire and guide these young athletes to strive for excellence, embrace challenges with courage, and pursue their dreams through the highs and lows of elite sport.

“We also extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, the Australian Sports Commission incorporating the Australian Institute of Sport and Harvey Norman, for their invaluable support in making this program possible.

“We look forward to supporting these 32 young athletes to grow, learn and take their sporting journeys to new heights.”

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame received a record 341 submissions for the 2026 scholarships, with an applicant pool comprising 154 males (45 per cent) and 187 females (55 per cent), including 26 para sport athletes (7.6 per cent). Applications were submitted from every state (except the Northern Territory), with New South Wales leading at 31 per cent and the east coast of Australia accounting for 78 per cent of the total.

The 2026 Tier 2 scholarship holders are:

• Jack McShane (20, 2024 Australian Indoor Lawn Bowls champion)

• Keefer Wilson (2024 Paris Olympian in skateboarding, 8th place)

• Maddison Brooks (2024 Paris Olympics hockey player)

• James Johnstone (snowboarding)

• Grace Brimelow (triathlon - para)

• Nya Hayman (weightlifting)

• Maggie Grey (diving)

• Charlotte Wilson (mogul skiing)

• Alicia Tan (rhythmic gymnastics)

• Jye Dixon (boxing)

• Joanne Joseph (squash)

• Gabriella Blewitt (taekwondo)

• Oliver Fanshawe (tennis - para)

• Archie McDonald (motorcycle racing)

• Rory Meehan (sailing)

• Angus Cormack (judo)

• Delta Amidzovski (athletics)

About the Sport Australia Hall of Fame:

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame preserves and celebrates the history of Australian sport while inspiring all Australians to achieve their potential. Guided by values of courage, sportsmanship, integrity and excellence, SAHOF honours its Members’ achievements and provides unparalleled opportunities to future generations.

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program, established in 2006, has supported over 267 young athletes in 58 sports. The program connects scholarship holders with SAHOF Members, providing life-changing personal development, work-life balance guidance and media training. Expanded in 2020 to a three-tiered structure, the program now ensures even greater opportunities for Australia’s emerging sporting talent.