The 26-year-old also took home the 'Comeback of the Year’ award which recognises athletes that have come back from a physical, mental or emotional challenge to accomplish a sporting high.

Following the 2016 Rio Olympics, Campbell took a break from competitive swimming to rediscover her love for the sport after her pet events didn't go to plan. She returned to the pool at the 2017 Australian Short Course Championships where she broke the world record in the 100m freestyle.

She continued her strong form at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games picking up three gold medals and one silver before collecting five gold medals at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo.

“Swimming is extremely fortunate to have a role model like Cate for all young Australian women to aspire to be," Swimming Australia Chief Executive Leigh Russell said.

“She represents Australia with immense pride, whether that be in the pool or out of it, and is truly a wonderful ambassador for swimming,” she said.

The Australian Women's Cricket Team took home the 'A-Team of the Year' with all-rounder Ellyse Perry claiming the 2018 Moment of the Year award for her record-breaking double century in the inaugural Ashes Day-Night Test at North Sydney Oval. 

It's been a memorable year in women's cricket, Australia retained the Ashes on home soil with Perry's 213 in the Test match the highlight and reclaimed the number one world ranking across all formats.

"It's an absolute honour to be named A Team of the Year, there are so many incredible women representing our country across the sporting landscape, so to receive this award is really special," Australia captain Meg Lanning said.

"I'd like to congratulate all the other award winners, especially Ellyse who produced an innings during the Ashes that will no doubt be talked about for generations to come. 

"We're so privileged to be able to play the sport we love for a living and to have the opportunity to pull on the green and gold and represent our country is incredibly special," she said.

All Award winners

Local sporting champion - Wendy Snowball (Mountain biker)

One to Watch - Lucy Bartholomew (Ultramarathon runner)

Leadership Legend - Sam Kerr (Matildas)

Moment of the Year - Ellyse Perry (Cricket)

Person of Sporting Influence - Raelene Castle (CEO of Rugby Australia)

Comeback of the Year - Cate Campbell (Swimmer)

Outstanding Women in Sport - Syke Nicolson (Boxer)

Hall of Fame - Evonne Gooagong Cawley (Tennis)

A-Team of the Year - Australian Women's Cricket team 

Women's Health Sportswoman of the Year - Cate Campbell