We look at 15 of Byron Bay’s top sporting stars of the 21st century

The Byron Bay region has helped to produce some of Australia’s most talented athletes and some rising stars of various sports. We look at the best 15 athletes from the region of the 21st century.

THE scenic surrounds of Byron Bay have provided the backdrop for some extraordinary athletes to come through the ranks.

From surfers to triathletes and martial artists, a diverse range of sporting stars have grown up in the region and made it big.

In no particular order, the Byron Shire News looks at 15 of the best athletes of the 21st century.

Danny Wills. Photo: Brenden Allen

DANNY WILLS (SURFING)

Born and bred in the region, Wills caught the attention of many before making a splash on tour when he appeared in the movie All Down The Line.

Wills went on to spend more than a decade on the World Championship Tour, catching waves at some of the world’s most iconic venues.

At his peak, Wills reached the heights of being ranked number three in the world.

Jy Hitchcox. Picture: Adam Head

JY HITCHCOX (RUGBY LEAGUE)

Born in Byron and a Mullumbimby junior, Hitchcox has enjoyed a long career as a professional footballer.

After playing a handful of first grade games for the Wests Tigers, Hitchcox then went on to continue playing in the UK.

He played against fellow Giants junior Dane Chisolm in last year’s Million Pound Game.

Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart. Picture: Liana Turner

MARK ‘MONO’ STEWART (ADAPTIVE SURFING)

Despite the adversity of losing a leg, ‘Mono’ never let that impact him as he will go down as one of the best ever adaptive surfers.

Stewart has claimed numerous titles around the world, including being the first person to ever win the USOpen three years in a row.

A genuine local legend with countless accolades.

Kieren Perrow. Picture: Luke Marsden

KIEREN PERROW (SURFING)

Another from Byron Bay to enjoy a long career on the pro tour, Suffolk Park native Perrow was a Pipeline Pro winner in 2011.

He chased his dreams as an 18-year-old, which led to more than 10 years on the tour.

Perrow would then go on to spend six years as the WSL commissioner to round out a stellar career in the sport.

Kyuss King. Photo: Richard Gosling

KYUSS KING (SURFING)

Another local with a huge social media following, the wavy blonde locks of Kyuss King along with an incredible ability the recipe for many fans.

The 22-year-old is tearing it up in the World Surf League, breaking through for a win at the Tweed Coast Pro earlier this year.

Looks set for big things after plenty of wins as a junior.

Milli McCourt (centre). Picture: Contributed

MILLI McCOURT (BJJ)

Has an incredible social media following and demonstrated a tremendous ability on the mat to match it.

McCourt was a student at Byron Bay High and went over to California to claim gold in 2017 in a dominant display.

Recently won an Australian title in August.

Tim Reed. Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

TIM REED (TRIATHLON)

A star of the swim, cycle and run, Reed has claimed a number of triathlons and ironman events over his time.

A multiple winner of the 70.3 Sunshine Coast half-ironman, Reed’s biggest achievement came in 2016 when he claimed the Ironman 70.3 World Championship to earn his place in the sport’s elite.

Nyxie Ryan. Picture: Ethan Smith

NYXIE RYAN (SURFING)
A prodigious talent who came through Byron Bay High School and claimed a swag of junior titles.

Progressively climbing up the rankings of the World Surf League and took home a number of wins last season.

Already a star and set to get bigger in the years to come.

Garrett Parkes. Picture: Brenda Radke

DAVID AND GARRETT PARKES (KNEEBOARD/SURFING)

The father-son duo have certainly made a killing in the water.

Father David earned the title of the world’s best on a kneeboard when taking out the title in Tahiti in 2013.

While he was doing that, Garrett was making a name for himself surfing around the world, cracking the top 40 of surfers in the world.

JY TIMPERLY (IRONMAN)

Began his time in the surf as an eight-year-old at Byron and graduated all the way to the elite level.

Overcame some hurdles when he thought of giving it away a few years ago, but now is back and firing in the Ironman Series.

Has a best finish of second in the 2020/21 series.

Joseph Lampe. Photo: Leigh Jensen

JOSEPH LAMPE (TRIATHLON)

A local triathlete who has held off the best to take out his home championship, plus taken his talents further abroad.

Lampe held off a huge field to win in 2013, has won in Hervey Bay and competed in Oceania and European Championships during his time.

Chilli Harel. Picture: Contributed

CHILLI HAREL (BJJ)

Is one for the future at just 16 years of age, but with the list of accomplishments he has already it was impossible to leave him off.

Chilli is a star in Brazilan Jiu-Jitsu, winning multiple gold medals at national and international events.

Definitely one to watch in the coming years.

JOHN PORRITT (AUSSIE RULES)

It takes a warrior to notch over 250 games of local footy, and John Porritt did just that for the Byron Bay Magpies in 2007.

Porritt held a number of key roles within the club, including president, captain and coach, as well as claiming a best and fairest, and leading goalkicker gong.

NATHAN BAGGALEY (KAYAKING)

The most infamous name on this list who has created his fair share of negative headlines over the years with a two-year ban for steroid use and a hefty 25-year jail sentence on drugs charges.

During his rowing career he was a star, collecting three world championships and a pair of silver medals at the Olympics in Athens.

Is there anyone we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below or email [e-mail]