Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie presented the 15-year-old with the national award in recognition of his representation of Australia in international BMX competition.

"John has been involved in BMX racing for a number of years and while only still relatively young, he has gone on to represent at the international level of the sport," Dr Gillespie said.

"He has also been a member of the Hunter Academy of Sport BMX team, and contested the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand last year.

"On behalf of the local community and the Australian government, I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate John on this wonderful achievement recognising the hard work and effort he has made in the sport for Australia at the international level.

John was in the 15 years boys class where he was equal 33rd from 66 competitors in New Zealand.

After his three qualifying motos (races) John qualified through to the one eight finals - round of 64. Unfortunately he missed a berth in the quarter final by the slimmest of margins when he finished fifth in the one eight final. He had been sitting in a qualifying position (top four) during the race until the last turn where things didn't quiet go to plan and he was overtaken by a New Zealand rider.

In the last 12 months John has achieved:

o Duel finalist: 2012 BMX NSW championships held at Southlake-Illawarra BMX club (Albion Park Rail). He finished seventh from 22 competitors in the 14 boys class and eighth from 19 competitors in the 13-14 cruiser class.

o Finalist: 2012 New Zealand North Island Championships held at Whangarei BMX Club where he was seventh from 18 in the 14 boys class.

o Captain of the 2013 Hunter Academy of Sport BMX team.

o Quarter finalist: 2013 national BMX championships held in Brisbane. He finished 22nd overall from 55 competitors in 15 boys class.

A member of the Manning BMX Club John's next goal is to win the NSW championships to be held at the Lake Macquarie during the October long weekend.