Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club last night decorated the world championship medallist with the city’s highest individual sporting accolade.

In addition to 2011, the 27-year-old’s name appears on the award’s honour board in 2008 and 2010.

Tallent was a bronze medallist in the 50-kilometre walk at the World Track and Field Championships at Daegu, South Korea.

For the Canberra-based Newlyn athlete, this achievement was the pinnacle of another hectic international schedule.

Fourths in IAAF Racewalking Challenge 30km events in Mexico and China and a top-10 finish in the challenge final in Spain were other highlights.

He also captured his third national 50km title.

Tallent’s world bronze earned him pre-selection for this year’s London Olympic Games.

He was unable to attend last night’s presentation owing to high-altitude training commitments.

Tallent was one of nine finalists for the Ballarat Sportsperson of the Year.

He was joined by Collis Birmingham (middle distance runner), Jaron Gardiner (track cyclist), Patrick Shaw (road cyclist), James Marburg (rower), Tamsin Hinchley (beach volleyballer), Shannyn Johnstone-Ward (martial artist), Jamie Huggett (triathlete) and Kolbe Poole (eight-ball player).

Huggett and Marburg were also unable to attend last night’s dinner at The Mercure, attended by more than 300.

AFL and Essendon all-time great ruckman Simon Madden was guest speaker.

Madden also presented awards throughout the evening.