While representing NSW Country against the New Zealand and Central Coast teams, the talented youngster earned a first place finish in seven events.

Askew, who competed in the under-17s, proved superior in the ski event, as he won all three races while in the Ironman Finn earned two first places and missed out on the trio of wins by the narrowest of margins.

“It was a sprint up the beach to the finish line and we were neck and neck,” the teenager said.

“It was an exciting finish but I missed out on the win by the length of a hair.”

Askew also played a massive part in NSW Country winning two out of the three under-17 ski relay events.

The illustrious award came as a surprise as he had only heard of its existence at the beginning of the carnival.

“I didn’t even know there was a male competitor of the carnival award until the first night we were at camp,” he said.

“I deadset completely forgot about it until my name was called out at the presentation after the final day of competition.

“It was a pretty good surprise and I was stoked I won it.”

The award has given him additional confidence and the belief he can match it with the best.

“It makes me know in my mind that I am capable of beating them and that the training I am doing is working and paying off,” he said.

“Now I can just focus on going out there and smashing them and come away from the carnivals with a few wins.”

Despite the victories and earning such a high honour, Askew continues to be his harshest critic.

“There’s still plenty of room for improvement,” he said.

“I made a couple of mistakes in different races which cost me but overall I am happy with how I performed.”

The season is long from over for Askew, who has already returned to training at the Kempsey pool under coach Tony Hudson for the upcoming interstate, NSW state championships and Australian titles.