Huegill’s journey back from athletic oblivion has inspired and fascinated the country over the past two years and the fairy-tale ending, when he won the 100m butterfly in Delhi, was acknowledged as Australian swimming’s “Speedo Golden Moment” this year.

Huegill, 31, was a multiple winner last night, also claiming the Telstra People’s Choice award for the nation’s favourite swimmer and, more significantly, the peer-voted Swimmer’s Swimmer award as the most inspiring presence within the national team.

Swimming Australia