Manon Lim and Gemima Davies are Mosman Daily’s Junior Sports Star winners

James Cameron’s science fiction epic Avatar was the inspiration that has fired Manon Lim to the World Archery Championships and the Mosman Daily’s Junior Sports Star award for 2015.

James Cameron’s science fiction epic Avatar was the inspiration that has fired Manon Lim to the World Archery Championships and the Mosman Daily’s Junior Sports Star award for 2015.

“I get very influenced by movies,” Manon laughed, “and they were all using bows and arrows as their weapons; they didn’t have swords or anything.

“Whenever I went to my godparents’ place I would make makeshift bows out of broken branches and string. It was very fun.”

These days Manon’s bows are much more high-tech, and her arrows are selected on weight, flexibility and length rather than if they’re just less crooked than the next twig.

On February 27 she flies to Ankara, Turkey, for the world champs as the youngest of three­­ ­female archers selected in the Australian team, after claiming gold at the national indoor championship.

“I’m very nervous,” said the Wollstonecraft resident. “I just want to shoot my best and do the best as I can.”

Manon also has her sights set on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and is looking for local sponsors to help her participate in the world championships.

Manon was delighted and shocked to win the Junior Sporst Star award.

“I feel very excited and happy that the hard work has paid off,” she said, and as for the $1000 prizemoney, well there’s always “more equipment”.

Gemima Davies was named the Mosman Daily Young Achiever of 2015 in the Junior Sports Star awards, and cited dual international Ellyse Perry as her inspiration.

Gemima Davies is the Mosman Daily’s Young Achiever of 2015.

The 12-year-old Year 7 Queenwood student plays hockey, soccer and futsal and has no intention of concentrating on just one sport any time.

“They’re all really great sports to compete in,” she said.

“I hope to play soccer for the Matildas and also to play hockey for Australia, just like Ellyse Perry (in soccer and cricket).”

Gemima started playing hockey at four and took up the round ball at eight, and is focused on being the best she can be.

“Ever since I started these sports I’ve been really determined to achieve great things,” she said.

“Receiving this award is a really great honour, and I want to achieve more as I go along.”

Gemima’s dedication is already paying off.

Gemima plays futsal, soccer and hockey.

She was named the National Futsal under-12 champion in 2014, and was selected for the Australian under-12/13 girls’ futsal team to compete in Spain in 2015.

Rugby league try-scoring sensation Ryan Papenhuyzen, 17, of Kellyville, was named the overall NewsLocal Junior Sports Star of 2015.

The Junior Sports Star awards are sponsored by Rebel and NewsLocal’s media partner is 7 News.