Victorian Sports Awards recognise local teen

GEELONG’S Cameron Gatt has been announced as the rebel Young Athlete of the Year at the 2023 Victorian Sports Awards, presented at Marvel Stadium.

The awards honour athletes, coaches, administrators and volunteers who have made a significant contribution to sport in the state.

The rebel Young Athlete of the Year award recognises junior athletes in Victoria, who have achieved outstanding results in their sport at a national or international level during 2023.

Gatt, part of the Geelong Thunder BMX Club, is a fierce competitor in the sport, and received the award for his dedication and success.

The 16-year-old said it was great to receive the award.

“I didn’t expect to even be selected let along win it, but we’re happy we got it.

“All the hard work has paid off and I’ve just got to use that to keep going.”

In August last year, he competed in Glasgow where he became world champion in the 15-16 Challenge Cruiser Event.

“I just came into the race wanting to give it my best shot and at the end we had the goal to make it to the final and to win it,” Gatt said.

“That was one of the best feeling I’ve ever had coming across that line, knowing that I just won it, and I can’t control myself.”

Following his Glasgow competition, Gatt returned for the Auscycling BMX National Championships where he was the only Australian rider to finish first in all of his entered events.

Gatt said the community element was what he enjoyed most about BMX riding.

“The thrill you get from riding as quick as you can and having people next to you.

“At the end of the day it’s scary but as long as you can get out in front, then it’s fun, you just ride your own race, and the adrenaline takes over.”

Nominations for the awards are made by sporting associations, teammates, club members, friends, family and the community before awards are decided by a panel, across a total of 18 categories.

The awards were presented by the state government and Vicsport.