Two of Australian Basketball’s biggest stars have been recognised for their contribution to women’s sport, with Olympic hero Lauren Jackson and Paralympic star Bridie Kean among the winners at the Women’s Health magazine’s I Support Women in Sport event in Sydney last night.

Jackson was named the 2012 Leadership Legend on the back of a year that saw her further enhance her legacy as one of all-time greats of Australian women’s sport.

Leading the Jayco Australian Opals to the Bronze Medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games – her fourth Olympic Medal – Jackson became the first female Australian flag bearer at the Olympic opening ceremony.

Already a two-time Paralympic Medallist, Kean received the Fair Fighter Award after a brilliant 2012 that saw her play a major role in helping the Australian Gliders win the wheelchair basketball Silver Medal at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

Only 25 years of age, Kean is seen as one of the centrepieces of the Gliders setup as the team builds towards Rio 2016.

Basketball Australian Chief Executive Kristina Keneally congratulated the two stars of women’s basketball on receiving these prestigious awards.

“Both Lauren and Bridie are brilliant examples of the calibre of athlete and role model we have in Australian women’s basketball,” Ms Keneally said.

“Lauren created history at the London Olympic Games and was an inspirational leader of the Opals as they captured the Bronze Medal – the fifth consecutive Medal for our Australian women’s basketball team.

“Bridie’s contribution was pivotal to the Gliders securing the Paralympic Games Silver Medal and at just 25 she will be a big part of the team’s challenge for Gold at Rio 2016.

“Basketball Australia congratulates these two amazing women on their achievement in receiving these awards.”