Mia Gilmore is Macarthur Chronicle’s Junior Sports Star of the Year, John Dimech-O’Connell Inspiration Award winner
The Macarthur Chronicle’s 2019 Junior Sports Star of the Year and Inspiration award winner has been revealed at a gala dinner in Sydney.
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The rocket arm of 16-year-old Mia Gilmore has taken her across the globe, with the talented softballer recently representing Australia at the under-19 World Cup in California, USA.
The dedicated teen and South West Sydney Academy of Sports athlete hones her skills six days a week, often under the eye of her proud pop.
This recent season the teenager bagged a swath of awards including State League MVP and Rookie of the Year, and aspires to one day represent Australia at the Olympics.
Mia’s stellar achievements have seen her take out the Macarthur Chronicle’s 2019 Junior Sports Star of the Year award.
“It feels pretty great. I was a bit nervous getting up on stage but it’s very exciting,” Mia said.
“To be a good softball pitcher you need to have a good positive attitude because you’re kind of the glue of the team. If your head goes down, everyone else’s does.
“I would love to play in the Olympics and play college softball in the US.”
Mia and Inspiration Award winner John Dimech-O’Connell were honoured as the Macarthur Chronicle award winners at the 2019 Local Sports Stars awards, sponsored by Featherdale Wildlife Park, Bankstown Sports Club and Northern Beaches Hospital, and held at Bankstown Sports Club on Wednesday night.
PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE AWARDS NIGHT
The steely determination of 14-year-old swimmer John Dimech-O’Connell, who competes at a state level despite a genetic vision impairment, is an inspiration to all those around him.
The student at St Gregory’s College Campbelltown never ceases to amaze his parents with his sporting success, competing in a range of sports including AFL, soccer and cross country.
The teenager is now preparing to compete at the 5km open water state titles in December before working towards qualifying for the junior Australian titles in the Olympic pool.
“I’m feeling pretty stoked at the moment,” John said.
“I’ve been swimming since I was eight months old. I’m 14 now, so it’s been a pretty long time.
“I think my motivation and dedication to training sets me apart. If something gets in the way I just keep on trying and putting my head up. One day I want to make it onto the Australian team.”
Each of our Junior Sport publication winners and Inspiration Award winners received $300 and a medal.
John also took out the overall Inspiration Award.
Joshua O’Connell (Inner West Courier) was crowned overall Junior Sports Star winner on the night after breaking the world 800m record for 11-year-old’s in April.
The under 14s Gosford City Rebels girls basketball team (Central Coast Express Advocate) won the overall team award.
The overall Service to Sport winner was Chung Dang (Canterbury-Bankstown Express).
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