REVEALED: Queensland’s best grassroots athlete crowned

The votes have been counted and Queensland’s best grassroots athlete has been crowned. Discover who has taken the top gong from a group of over 40 impressive athletes from across the Sunshine State here.

THERE’S overachievers and then there’s Ava Usher.

The Gold Coast teenager who years ago confided in her journal a dream to one day compete in the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series, and who has since added AFLW, college basketball and even the Olympics to her lofty list of goals.

And yet anyone who knows the multi-talented 14 year old says she is more than capable of reaching those heady heights – and News Corp subscribers agree.

Adding to Usher’s long list of accolades in surf lifesaving, swimming, Aussie rules and basketball is the title of Queensland’s Best Grassroots Athlete.

SEE THE FULL RESULTS HERE

The Hillcrest College sporting scholarship holder accrued an astonishing 251 of a possible 866 votes, totalling 29 per cent and beating out 42 of the best grassroots athletes in the state.

Her extensive sporting CV hints at why.

Ava Usher multi-sport athlete in running for Qld's best grassroots athlete

Previously the subject of an all-in bidding war among Gold Coast surf lifesaving clubs, Usher is a Queensland Junior Surf Lifesaving Athlete of the Year – making the podium in every possible event in the 2019/20 season – and this year won a board silver medal at Aussies while battling through a broken foot.

That was an injury sustained while representing Gold Coast at the state basketball championships, where the shooting guard was named in the All Star team as a bottom-age player.

With a Sherrin in-hand the midfielder helped Palm Beach Currumbin to the AFLQ Schools Cup state title earlier this year, after also being selected in the Queensland Under-15 team.

Usher is joined by sister Aleira – also a very accomplished athlete – in the Under-18 Gold Coast Suns Academy.

Ava Usher competing in the Queensland Under-16 State Basketball Championships at Auchenflower for the Gold Coast Waves earlier this year. Picture: Renae Droop

All of this in the wake of a one-time prosperous junior swimming career, which included a state gold medal and representation at nationals in the 100m and 50m freestyle.

Oh, and in recent months Bond University’s Rugby 7s program has turned her head.

“I try to be very organised,” a modest Usher told News Corp.

“And I’m always prepared for what’s ahead and super excited.”

A day in the life starts with an early morning swim, followed by a gym session, then school – which includes basketball training – followed by afternoon surf training and then an evening run to cap it all off.

“There’s a fair bit of pressure (on me) but I can handle it, so that’s all that matters,” Usher said.

“I just try to do my best and hopefully my best is good enough.”

So chock full is her trophy cabinet that Usher oft hands out her silverware to friends, family, fans and even rivals. She is known to leave the beach, court or field on which her tangible honour was earned, never to see it again.

Like all junior sporting prodigies, Usher regularly fields the tried and true question: what sport will you ultimately choose?

“It may have to happen soon, that I’ll have to decide. And all my coaches want me to do their sport, which makes it harder and harder as I get older,” is her reply.

“I want to do it all for as long as I can.”

As for the secret ingredient to her sporting success?

“Broccolini. Broccolini and lemon juice.”

Take notes, mere mortals.