The rising athletes of Byron Bay: 37 young sporting stars to watch for the future
Byron Bay is home to some of the country’s brightest athletes across a number of different sports. We look at 37 young men and women who are making a big impact in their chosen field.
Byron Shire
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THE extraordinary landscape of Byron Bay is only matched by the determination and ability of the next generation of sporting stars.
With many talented young men and women across the region and a variety of sports, Byron has a number of future champions right on its doorstep.
We look at the 37 young athletes to watch in the future.
CHILL HAREL (BJJ)
The 16-year-old has won every major competition this year all around the world, following in the footsteps of his professor Thalison Soares.
He has taken over Australia and has won everything, including super fights. Chilli will also be representing the team in the upcoming Europeans next year.
BREBNER FAMILY (BJJ)
Phoenix, Sky and Tala Brebner are the next generation of BJJ star in Byron.
All three compete in most tournaments and fully dominate. They are great leaders and phenoms in the sport, they will be the future.
HEMSWORTH TWINS (BJJ)
Sasha and Tristan have shocked the world, they have been improving and becoming unstoppable with their talent, they both recently won the Byron Bay competition, both winning double gold, with all submissions.
ALE IMAMURA (BJJ)
While only eight years old, Ale trains more than two hours a day and does extra practice at home.
He attends Byron Bay Public and catches the bus straight from school to training. He recently won a local tournament, he is mind-blowing, he is a fully committed and driven young athlete at such a young age.
TAYLOR WITHINGTON (RUGBY LEAGUE)
One of the success stories of the region.
Taylor represented the Northern Rivers Titans in the Andrew Johns Cup and landing the coach’s award, and made his A-grade debut at 17.
He’s now signed a two-year deal with the Canberra Raiders.
JIMMY MCCOMBIE, ELLIOT FARRELL, TAJ LATEO (RUGBY LEAGUE)
A trio of Byron Bay/Lennox Head juniors who are making waves in the region.
All three were selected in the NSW CCC Country U15s side, with both Jimmy and Elliot in the Northern Rivers Titans U16s squad for next year.
Promising futures ahead.
ELYIJA MAHONY (BASKETBALL)
Elyija is a tenacious defender, who is always getting in front of his opponents. He is a strong competitor and never backs down.
The 15-year-old has played domestic level and NEJL representative level.
LILLY SHORT (BASKETBALL)
The 15-year-old is a strong shooter with exceptional ball in hand control. Her vision of the game is incredible and reads the play superbly.
Lilly is one fierce competitor and a great leader. She has played domestic level, NEJL representative level and U16s NSW Country D-league.
HARLEY KENT (BASKETBALL)
Harley is an elite defender and an all-round shooter.
His willingness to win and compete for all four quarters is something I am truly impressed with.
Harley has played domestic level, NEJL and JPL rep level, and NSW rep level, and is still only 18.
ETHAN JOHNSTON, JYE BARLOW (BASKETBALL)
The Byron Beez pair capped off a great season with selection in the NSW Basketball U16 Country men’s team to compete at the Australian Junior Championships.
It was a great reward for the pair after a strong showing at the State Performance Camp, with both on the up.
CAMPBELL HARVEY (RUGBY UNION)
One of the best rugby talents in the region, Campbell has been a shining light.
Blessed with size and athleticism, a hardworking attitude has put him in the spotlight of NSW selectors with U18s inclusion.
A late developer in the sport but is turning heads and only improving as the years go on.
LEIHANI KALOHA ZORIC (SURFING)
Only 10 years old but definitely one to keep a watch out for in surfing circles.
Such is her ability, when she was still only eight she had claimed dual Billabong Oz Grom Cup titles.
Has a strong social media following and the skills to back it up.
ZAHI ADDIS, MILO BISOGNI (FOOTBALL)
The young talents are taking big strides in the football ranks after playing their junior football in the region.
Addis has been snapped up by the Brisbane Roar in the A-League and the midfielder looks set to make his mark in the coming years, with Bisogni spending time with the Newcastle Jets.
HARRY O’BRIEN, JUNIPER HARPER (SURFING)
We’ve seen plenty of talented surfers come through the region and this pair is no exception.
The young guns from Lennox Head have competed in the WSL Pro Junior competition and has been tearing it up, shining in numerous events throughout the year.
Two names to keep an eye on.
LOUIS TRISLEY (RUGBY UNION)
A referee on the list who is making a great impression with the whistle in hand.
An 18-year-old, Louis has shown experience beyond his years with his control of games, including calling a Caldwell Cup final.
Is also a handy cricketer.
DANIEL WILLIAMS (RUNNING)
The Byron Bay Runners member has enjoyed a year to remember on the track.
Starting out with an Australian title over the 1500m in March, he backed it up at the NSW All Schools with double success in the 800m and 1500m.
That 800m run proved to be a state record, a sign of how good he is.
PADRAIG HEFFERNAN (RUNNING)
The cross country athlete has a tank bigger than most and that has him primed for big things in the future.
His ability was highlighted by a bronze medal over the 6km journey at the national Cross Country Championships.
DOGAN FAMILY (RUNNING)
Luke, Tyler, Alex and Skye make up a very talented family of young runners.
All four competed at the Queensland Cross Country Championships earlier this year with Luke and Tyler booking their spots at the nationals.
JAMILLA RANKIN (FOOTBALL)
The 19-year-old was born in Lismore and played her junior football with Eureka FC, the catalyst for where she is today.
Rankin plays with the Brisbane Roar and has represented Australia at the underage level, with the Matildas in her sights for the future.
DANE INGHAM (FOOTBALL)
A Lennox Head FC junior, Ingham rose through the ranks of the Brisbane Roar Academy and is enjoying a successful career in the A-League.
The 23-year-old has since transferred to the Newcastle Jets and is also representing New Zealand at the highest level.
JY TIMPERLEY (IRONMAN)
A success story of the water is Byron Bay’s Jy Timperley.
Coming through the surf lifesaving ranks as a young boy, a continued prosperity and determination has him now competing in the Ironman Series.
At 23 he has a long career ahead of him.
ABIGAIL SPICE, KAILYAH BROWNING (RUGBY LEAGUE)
The Mullumbimby Giants pair have been strutting their stuff on the league-tag circuit, but earlier this year they got their chance in the tackle format.
Abigail and Kailyah were selected in the Northern Rivers team to contest the U17s Lisa Fiaola Cup a few months back.
MATTY ASHTON (RUGBY LEAGUE)
The rangy fullback took a chance, played second division with Swinton and is now lighting it up for Warrington.
THALISON SOARES (BJJ)
A 23-year-old and has won every single title in all colour belts. He is the current 2022 World Champion Black Belt and is one of the highest achieved athlete today.
Currently serving as the head instructor at The Academy.
MILLI MCCOURT (BJJ)
The 22-year-old brown belt athlete has won worlds in her young teen years and recently won the 2022 Australian Nationals and will be travelling to compete in the biggest competitions next year including Europeans the end of January.
She is a great example for all the females in the sport and inspires the young girls.
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