Tokyo-bound boxer Alex Winwood is the 2020 Wally Foreman Foundation Scholarship recipient, with the flyweight hoping the support can propel him to the Olympic podium.

Winwood was last night announced as the grant recipient at a function at the Western Australian Institute of Sport, reflecting on a year of challenge for many of WA’s brightest sports prospects.

Winwood, 23, punched his ticket for the Tokyo Games with a come-from-behind win in the March qualifiers in Jordan, following victory at the national championships earlier in the year.

The dual national champion in both 49kg and 52kg weight classes fought his way back from the disappointment of missing the 2016 Olympics, putting in the work to reverse his fortunes for Tokyo.

The Wally Foreman Foundation was impressed by Winwood’s dedication and drive, as the second-year electrical apprentice balances his sporting pursuits with supporting his immediate family.

COVID-19 has impacted Winwood’s preparation for the Games, as travel and quarantine restrictions make seeking adequate sparring and training partners impossible alongside work commitments.

The Foundation’s financial assistance will enable Winwood to fly high-quality partners to Perth for training camps, allowing him to reduce time away from his apprenticeship.

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) will work with Winwood and his coach to ensure sparring and training preparations are made possible and conducted within COVID Safe guidelines.

Wally Foreman Foundation Chair Glen Foreman said: "Alex’s dedication is clear, but when events occur out of our control, we need support – which is why the Wally Foreman Foundation exists.

"The global pandemic meant that, despite his best efforts at juggling his responsibilities, Alex was facing the possibility of being unable to adequately prepare for the biggest moment of his career.

"Alex has proven his credentials in the ring, now it’s about ensuring a fair fight, and the Foundation is proud to help him prepare to represent his state, country, family and community proudly.

"The Wally Foreman Foundation Scholarship is only possible due to the generosity of organisations such as WAIS, the Carbine Club of WA, and West Coast Eagles, and I thank them for their support.”

Wally Foreman Foundation

The Wally Foreman Foundation aspires to continue the work of respected sports broadcaster and administrator Wally Foreman, who was a tireless advocate for WA athletes and coaches, before his death in 2006.

The Foundation, through its activities and the generosity of the community and bodies such as the West Coast Eagles, the Western Australian Institute of Sport and the Carbine Club of WA, raises funds to support WA athletes not covered by existing scholarships in their pursuit of excellence.

Wally Foreman Foundation Scholarships

The Wally Foreman Foundation has issued 48 scholarships (inclusive of the 2020 grant) since 2008.

Its alumni include national champions (such as sprinter Jody Henry and open water swimmer Rhys Mainstone), World Champions (such as cycling's Melissa Hoskins, Josie Tomic and Luke Durbridge), Olympic medallists (water polo's Emma Knox and equestrian's Sonja Johnson) and trailblazers (para-triathlete Brant Garvey).