The young swimmer, who has a rare genetic disorder, was rewarded for his inspiring performances at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens which saw him claim gold in both the 100metre backstroke and 100m freestyle, and bronze in the 200m freestyle.

Hundreds of talented athletes from around WA were nominated for the award with seven athletes making it to the final.

Snell said he was surprised to have been nominated but was shocked to find out he had won.

“I had no idea I was going to win,” Snell said.

Snell said he was confident that he would perform well at the Olympics but this was an added bonus.

“It’s been a big year,” he said.

Just qualifying for the Olympics was an amazing feat with Snell having to win gold at state and national competitions.

His mother Eleanor said she was extremely proud of her son’s achievements.

“It all been very exciting,” she said.

Snell has already begun training and said he has been getting faster in a bid to defend his gold at the 2015 Olympics.