Seven individuals and one team have made the shortlist of athletes who have "inspired Australia" over the past 12 months.

The award is widely regarded as Australia’s leading contemporary sporting award and is named in honour of Australian sporting Legend and first Sport Australia Hall of Fame Inductee, the late Sir Donald Bradman.  

The award is given annually to the athlete or team who, through their performance and example over the past year has most inspired the nation.

Nominees for this year's award include rower Kim Brennan, the first Australian woman to win the Olympic women's single sculls title in Rio de Janeiro this summer.

Kyle Chalmers has also been shortlisted for the award after he became the first Australian male swimmer to win the Olympic 100 metre freestyle title since Michael Wenden in Mexico City 1968.

Australian Rio 2016 flag bearer, cyclist Anna Meares, is also on the nominee list as she became Australia’s most successful female cyclist and the only Australian Olympian in any sport to win four medals in four disciplines in four Olympic Games.

The only team to be shortlisted is the Australian Olympic women's rugby sevens team.

A gold medal match win over New Zealand has not only raised the profile of the sport but has also opened the door for female participation in the country in what has been historically a male dominated sport.

"It is an honour for me to be recognised for such a prestigious award," said Chalmers.

"Hopefully my race proves to young Australians that anything is possible when you train hard, set goals and listen to your coaches."

Selection committee chair, former world marathon champion Rob de Castella, said: "'The Don' was unique and the nation’s most prestigious sporting award.

"It’s not the sports star or team of the year award.

"It’s an award that seeks to capture, celebrate, recognise and reward the individual or team who has ‘most inspired the nation’ through their performance."

‘The Don’ Award for 2016 is due to be presented at the 32nd Sport Australia Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala Dinner on October 13 in Melbourne.