Meet the 2026 FITREC Award Winners

With many leading professionals in the FITREC registry, choosing a winner in each category was no easy task.

THANK YOU to all our registered professionals for raising standards in our industry. The easier we make it for stakeholders to see how genuinely accomplished and diverse our industry is, the greater the respect and recognition we’ll receive.

HUGE congratulations to all those who appear below. Wear your winner’s badges with pride. You’ve earned them.

The FITREC Award Winners for 2026 are…

FITNESS PROFESSIONAL of the YEAR: CINDY RELLA (fitrec.org/p/cinders)

Judges’ notes: The Fitness Professional award celebrates a true industry leader. Someone who puts themselves forward as an example, not just for clients, but for peers and other visitors to her profile. From very early in her registration, Cindy has made the best possible use of her FITREC profile. Her visible experience, ongoing education, commitment to walking the walk, references, and an obvious enthusiasm to learn from others (via her listed mentors) make it clear to all that her passion is changing lives. Congratulations, Cindy. We are honoured to count you among our community.

Cindy will receive a $500 cash prize from Lionel University, a $1000 scholarship from the National Health and Fitness Academy, a trophy and a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

HALL OF FAME - DR LUKE DEL VECCHIO (fitrec.org/p/lukedelvecchio).

Judges’ notes: Our Hall of Fame Award recognises an individual we believe is doing a great job of moving the industry forward. Dr Luke has been instrumental in creating and delivering courses that push the boundaries of conventional knowledge surrounding exercises that we all know but, as it turns out, really need to know a lot better! Dr Luke has taken complex concepts and delivered them in a manner that is easily understood and applied, and in the process, reminded us that there is so much more to learn. Congratulations, Dr Luke, and to the entire Australian Combat & Exercise team.

Dr Luke will receive a $500 cash prize from ISSA, $1000 scholarship from the National Health and Fitness Academy, a trophy and a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

300-RATED PROFESSIONAL of the YEAR - HANNAH ALTMAN PHD (fitrec.org/p/hannahaltman)

Judges’ notes: The 300-Rated Award is a special award to recognise leaders in our industry. Indeed, a 300-Rating is only possible with 12+ years of industry experience! We’re very pleased to provide this year’s award to Hannah Altman. This award celebrates the depth of insight Hannah’s profile provides. It is a fantastic reflection of her professionalism and education, as well as her commitment to her own achievements in fitness. This award also took into account the views and kudos her profile had received during the Awards period. Congratulations, Hannah. You are an inspiration to us all.

Hannah will receive a $500 cash prize from Gallagher Insurance, $1000 Scholarship from the National Health and Fitness Academy, a trophy and a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - NICKY MCGOWAN (fitrec.org/p/nickymcgowan)

Judges’ notes: The Rookie Award is our way to celebrate and support new professionals in the industry. Nicky provides a great example of a new Trainers that has hit the ground running! One look at her profile shows a thirst for personal and professional development. In her first year, references show that Nicky has already meeting her clients where they need to be met (including with remote training). We wish you every success for the future, Nicky, and welcome the example you’ve set for all new professionals.

Nicky will receive a $500 cash prize from BizCover, $1000 credit from the Australian Fitness Academy, A Master Functional Trainer course ($1750USD value) from the FTI, a one-year subscription to Sole valued at $660, which includes supported onboarding and training, a trophy and a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD - NATIONAL HEALTH & FITNESS ACADEMY

Judges’ notes: The Educator award celebrates an educator that we believe has been instrumental in helping launch new industry professionals. To this end, the NHFA have demonstrated a commitment to helping students into employment and encouraging registration to assist with professionalism and ongoing support. Indeed, three of the five shortlisted candidates for the Rookie Award gained their qualifications through the NHFA. The NHFA is also recognised for high course completion rates, their post-graduation support, and the connection it provides with industry employers. We’re grateful for the support we receive from the NHFA and congratulate them on the work they’re doing to bring more people into the industry.

The NHFA will receive a trophy and a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD - SOLE

Judges’ notes: The FITREC Supplier award recognises an industry provider that goes above and beyond to support professionals in the industry. Sole has been outstanding in their support for the indsutry and individual professionals. We’ve worked with Sole to help them adapt their product to better fit the needs of the industry. The Sole team has provided multiple articles and resources to educate professionals on the better management of their business and finances. And their generous discount for FITREC members is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Sole, for helping build a better informed and more financially successful industry.

Sole will receive a trophy and a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

BEST INTERNATIONAL PROFILE - CHRIS SALARDA (fitrec.org/p/chrissalarda)

Judges’ notes: An award for the Best International Profile was not originally on our schedule, but in the process of shortlisting candidates, Chris’ profile content, profile views, kudos and references all stood out. Chris’ profile shows a commitment to ongoing development, especially in the field of endurance sports. His references speak to his impact on those he’s working with, and his extensive experience in leading classes, delivering education, and providing support for Spartan Race events is an inspiration to all. Congratulations on this industry recognition, Chris. Very well deserved.

Chris will receive a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD - FITNESS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR - CINDY RELLA (fitrec.org/p/cinders)

Judges’ notes: The People’s Choice Award was a way to take the vote from the FITREC team and open this up to our peers. In the vote for Fitness Professional of the Year, Cindy taekes out the popular choice with 34.6% of the votes! Well done!

Cindy will receive a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD - 300-RATED PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR - BRODY YAP (fitrec.org/p/rudiyap)

Judges’ notes: The People’s Choice Award was a way to take the vote from the FITREC team and open this up to our peers. In the vote for the 300-Rated Professionals of the Year, huge congratulations to Brody Yap for taking the People’s Choice Award with 39.8% of the votes! Nicely done!

Brody will receive a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD - ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - NICKY MCGOWAN (fitrec.org/p/nickymcgowan)

Judges’ notes: The People’s Choice Award was a way to take the vote from the FITREC team and open this up to our peers. In the contest for Rookie of the Year, Nicky won with 36.7% of the votes. Congratulations!

Nicky will receive a winner’s badge to add to emails and websites.

Congratulations again to all our winners. We wish you every success for the future and thank you for the inspriation you’ve provided for us all.