Whether it's a world championship event or just a club meet on the Loddon River, he goes all out.

The 51-year-old has received international recognition for top recent performances, which includes setting the new World MP4 Men's Trick record with 1,540 points earlier this year at the Australian National Championships at Lake Mulwala.

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The award marks the second time Sleep has received the IWWF Male Disabled Athlete of the Year Award.

"This is the highest possible award handed out within our sport and I really am quite humbled and honoured," he said, humbly.

"It's like our Brownlow," he laughed.

"To be able to win for the second time (2018,2022) is a massive feat for myself, disabled water skiing across the world and for the Bridgewater Water Ski Club.

"No matter what, it shows what can be achieved if you strive to be your best."

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The award recognition comes after a challenging 24 months for sport which includes multiple event cancellations.

"It's been a tough year with very few events on the calendar but I was able to secure the award with top performances which included breaking a record earlier this year," he said.

At the weekend Sleep was back in action for a BWSC club event on the Loddon where he was able to unofficially set a new record but it will not be recognised as it was not an official world-level event.

In addition, he is currently coaching several rising stars and is embracing the challenge of helping water skiers on their journey to compete at the top level at the upcoming Aussie Masters scheduled on the Loddon during the Australia Day long weekend.

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"I am thankful that my experience is translating into my coaching and it's helping young skiers put themselves on the right direction," Sleep said.

"As an athlete sometimes you may think you're on the right path, but coaches can help you learn new elements of the sport which really are invaluable learning lessons."

Looking ahead to the future, Sleep isn't certain how much longer his journey as an athlete will go, but one thing that's certain is he will still be involved with the sport for many years to come.

"It's in my blood," he laughed

"I always think about giving up the sport as I am getting old, but I love it and just want to be involved."

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