The David Dixon Award at the Commonwealth Games is judged on more than medal totals, with athlete conduct and team contribution formally included in the process.
Commonwealth Sport said the award weighs sporting performance, fair play and contribution to the team. Each Commonwealth Games Association can nominate one athlete through its Chef de Mission.
A panel from the Athletes’ Advisory Commission assesses the nominations before making a recommendation. That recommendation is then approved by the Commonwealth Sport President, with the award presented at the Closing Ceremony.
The award is named after David Dixon, who served for 17 years as Honorary Secretary of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Commonwealth Sport says the broader definition of an outstanding athlete has shaped the award since Manchester 2002.
The official account uses previous recipients to illustrate how the criteria operate. It notes that Jamaican triple jumper Trecia Smith was named outstanding athlete at Delhi 2010 after winning one gold medal with her only legal jump, while Australian swimmer Alicia Coutts left those Games with five titles.
Commonwealth Sport said Smith’s selection reflected more than the gold medal itself, including what she contributed away from competition once her event was over. The award’s structure therefore places measurable sporting achievement alongside behaviour, fairness and support for the wider team.