Olympian named city’s top athlete

TOKYO Olympic javelin-thrower Kathryn Mitchell has been named Ballarat’s Sportsperson of the Year.

A member of Eureka Athletic Club, Mitchell was awarded by the Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club at their February meeting.

BSC President Bruce Tweedale said the occasion was “spectacular,” much like the winning athlete.

“Congratulations to all finalists and winners, notably Olympian Kathryn Mitchell,” he said.

“Kathryn earned her place on the Australian Olympic Team that competed in Tokyo, ultimately reaching the final of the Javelin and eventually finishing in sixth place overall.

“Prior to competing at the games, Kathryn was crowned Australian National Champion for a third time earlier last year. This is the second time Kathryn has won our Sportsperson of the Year Award, following her previous win in 2018.”

On the night, Ballarat YCW Harriers race-walker Alanna Peart was named Junior Sportsperson of the Year, while the Hollioake Medallion was awarded to former Ballarat Clarendon College student Katrina Werry who rowed in the Olympic women’s eight at the Tokyo Games.

Wendouree Athletics Club’s Paul Cleary, a record-breaking Ballarat Associated Schools triple-jumper of the 1980s and athletics coach, won the Widmer Award, and former Club secretary Bruce Valpied received the McKenzie/Valpied Award.

The Sportsperson of the Year Awards recognise the city’s community of athletes, including the elite, and up-and-coming juniors, their coaches, Club administrators, and supporters.

Ballarat sporting groups, associations, coaches, and friends of athletes submitted awards nominations, and the BSC’s members, finalists, their family, friends and coaches attended the dinner.

“The Sportsperson of the Year Awards was a wonderful celebration of the Ballarat sporting community,” Mr Tweedale said.

“The ability to showcase sport across all levels and see community participants share the stage with home grown sporting heroes makes for a very special occasion.”