The winner of World Rowing's highest accolade was honoured for her illustrious career which spanned three Olympic Games and earned her a full set of bronze & silver (London 2012) and gold (Rio 2016).

The award which recognises "an exceptional rowing career and exemplary sportsmanship" came one year after Brennan announced her retirement following the arrival of her first son, Jude.

When accepting her award, she recalled London 2012 as one of her greatest Olympic memories.

"I do have an incredibly fond memory of the double scull at the London 2012 Olympic Games," the two-time World Champion said.

"My partner Brooke (Pratley) broke her rib, it was a bad break."

The 34-year-old explained that the only training Pratley could do, was sled pulling in the lead up to the Games.

"We were back in the boat for about three weeks before the Olympic Games and it was one of those moments when you realised sport wasn't just about winning."

Despite Pratley's injury, the pair went on to win silver.

Brennan belongs to an elite club of Olympians, who raced and medalled in two Olympic events when she claimed the double scull silver and single scull bronze in London.

Earning herself single scull gold at Rio 2016 and becoming the first Australian woman to do so, was the icing on the cake at what would be her final Olympics as a competitor.

Australian Olympic Committee President, John Coates commended Brennan on her career and said she was most deserving of the international award.

“Kim Brennan is a most worthy recipient of rowing's highest honour, the Thomas Keller medal," he said.

"Over a career that spanned three Olympics she won bronze, silver and gold medals, with her gold at the Rio 2016 Games being the first-ever in the women's single sculls event by an Australian.

"A fiercely determined competitor, Kim and her coach, Lyall McCarthy left no stone unturned in their preparation. A trait Kim also displayed as a very active and valued contributor to the AOC's Athletes' Commission over a long period.

"All of us at the AOC join in congratulating Kim on this most unique honour."

Although no longer competing, Brennan remains very close and invested in the Olympic Movement, coming on board as one of the Deputy Chefs de Mission alongside Susie O'Neill and Evelyn Halls for Tokyo 2020.

Brennan said her appointment as Deputy Chef was another important way she can keep contributing and maintaining a bond with a sport that gave her so much.

“Every Olympian wants to keep contributing in one way or another. We have that bond. To be stepping into this role gives me the chance to make a different type of contribution.” 

Liana Buratti