Recipients excel in many fields

ON land, in the water, or on horseback, the recipients of this year’s scholarships in Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year have excelled in many fields.

Four of the 2024 intake were at Red Energy Arena for the latest scholarship function which involved sponsors, families, and some of those who have earned their place in the Basil Ashman Sports Star Hall of Fame.

The rising stars gave a detailed account of their success, but also an update on future goals and the amount of work they dedicate to their sport.

Dressage competitor Amy Bachmann devotes plenty of time, not just to training, but also caring for the horses she teams up with.

Success at various events across the year have Bachmann near the top 40 in world rankings for the under-25 grand prix class.

Away from the dressage arena she is a fourth year dental science student at La Trobe University Bendigo.

Another star who teams with horses is Kian Blanchard in tetrathlon where he shows his skill in showjumping, running, shooting and swimming.

In mid-year he represented Australia in tetrathlon in the UK and Ireland.

Next up for Blanchard will be the Australian modern pentathlon championships.

Swimming ace Emily Kearns has spent plenty of time in the pool racing, or preparing for short-course championship meets across the country.

A highlight of her year was racing in the 100m and 200m backstroke against some of the world’s best at the Australian Olympic trials in Brisbane in June.

On the footy field, Tobie Travaglia capped the AFL national under-18 championships by being selected on a half-back flank in the All-Australian team.

Travaglia was a co-captain of Victoria Country and fifth in the Larke Medal as the carnival’s MVP.

He also starred for the La Trobe University Bendigo Pioneers in Coates Talent League and likely to be drafted by an AFL club.