Arblaster named 2012 Gibson and Gibson Lawyers Official of the Year
Swimming Western Australia
Published: Dec 20, 2012 06:22:55 PM Updated: Dec 21, 2012 07:47:07 PM
London Olympic Technical Official Ryan Arblaster has been named the 2012 Gibson and Gibson Lawyers Official of the Year at the ANZ Sports Awards on 13th of December. Arblaster was recognised for his outstanding contributions to the sport of swimming at a state, national and international level in 2012.
Officiating at 19 international meets to date, Ablaster was Australia’s sole representative on pool deck at the recent London Olympic Games. For this and many other achievements of late, Arblaster was awarded the Roger Smith Technical Official of the Year at the 2012 EnergyAustralia Swimmer of the Year Awards, along with fellow West Australian Blair Evans who was crowned Singapore Airlines Short Course Swimmer of the Year.
As a spritely eight year old, Arblaster became involved in swimming with the hope of one day competing in the Olympic Games for Australia. Arblaster held many positions within the Breakers club as competitor, committee member and as an all round volunteer. Once he commenced full time work, Arblaster found the training demands of being a competitor too much, a reality all too familiar for many swimmers.
Arblaster followed in his parent’s footsteps and took up officiating to stay actively involved in the sport. Ryan’s father Ian Arblaster has just returned from Turkey where he was appointed to officiate at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Istanbul.
“I started officiating as a way to remain involved in swimming and also with the aim of realising my Olympic dream, albeit as an official rather than a swimmer!”, Arblaster said.
The 32-year-old has faced many challenges as an Official, however Arblaster admits he is grateful for the opportunities presented during his colourful career as an Official.
“I’ve been fortunate to officiate at 19 international meets so far, travelled to some amazing places and met many wonderful people. The Olympics is definitely the highlight of my career and being chosen to officiate was a great honour”.
Arblaster will be officiating at the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series on the 18th – 20th January 2013.
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