THE South West Academy of Sport (SWAS) held its presentation night in Warrnambool recently to celebrate sporting excellence across the region in 2023.
More than 70 athletes represented SWAS in 2023 with 90 per cent of them competing at a regional level, 60 per cent at state level and 20 per cent at a national and international level.
A number of local athletes were recognised for outstanding commitment and success in their respective fields throughout the year.
Lachlan Pringle (Southern Grampians) received a Strength and Conditioning Award for his clay target shooting endeavours, while Harley Pickford (Clay Target Shooting, Moyne) and Annika Baker (Netball, Glenelg) were also recognised.
There was some great talent on display in the Sports Awards section including Southern Grampians Shire shooting duo, Harry Brown and Tom Clark, who took out the Clay Target Shooting Award together.
Brown had a stellar season with the gun, winning the Victorian Clay Target Association (VCTA) Commonwealth Titles and was also a member of the winning Victorian team at the Nationals.
Clark was the National Champion for both the individual and double barrel sections.
Cavendish netballer, Imogen Thomas, was the Netball Athlete of the Year on the back of her selection into the 2024 Netball Victoria Talent Academy.
The 15-year-old defensive player had a solid season with the Bloods, playing in the junior ranks but also gained some experience at A grade level.
Amelie Shrive (Southern Grampians) from the Hamilton Lawn Tennis Club was named the Tennis Athlete of the Year, a result of her strong season.
Moyne Shire modern pentathlon athlete, Zoe Addinsall, was awarded the Individual Athlete of the Year honour after representing Australia internationally this year.
She was the National Laser Run Champion for Australia and placed 13th at the World Championships in Bath - the highest ranked Australian athlete at the event.
The Overall Excellence Award was awarded to talented Hamilton golfer, Molly O’Brien (Southern Grampians).
This award was presented to the SWAS athlete who displays all of the qualities of a high achiever dedicated to performance excellence.
