CAN Jared Tallent go down in the record book as one of Ballarat’s best ever athletes by claiming a record sixth Ballarat Sportsperson of the Year award on Wednesday night?
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The racewalking star is one of nine athletes in contention for the Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club top award this year, and is aiming for a record five consecutive titles.
If he is to do so, he will join marathon legend Steve Moneghetti and trap shooting Olympic gold medallist Russell Mark as the only athletes to win six awards in total.
However, neither Moneghetti nor Mark were ever able to win five awards in a row.
Whether Tallent gets the judges’ nod this year remains to be seen, having arguably had a less-decorated season than previous years.
He is also up against a strong list of contenders, with athletics again dominating the sport in terms of contenders.
Newly-crowned Australian cross country champion Duer Yoa continued to go from strength to strength this year, Collis Birmingham had another strong year in long-distance running and Kathryn Mitchell continued to prove herself in the upper echelon in the world in javelin.
Of the nine nominees for the top award, three are in contention for the first time.
Rising cricket star Matt Short had a breakout year that saw him make his Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Renegades debut, as well as representing Australia in the Under-19 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Lawn bowler Tim Slater pulled on the green and gold for Australia in the Commonwealth Games for athletes with a disability, while Kelby Poole was Australian champion and singles world champion semi-finalist in eight-ball.
Of the other nominees, horse racing trainer Darren Weir had yet another outstanding year and is in with a genuine chance of winning, and Shannyn Johnstone-Ward was Victorian and NSW state champion in karate.
The Wunhym trophy, for the junior sportsperson of the year, will be decided from four nominees.
Long jumper Ashlea Bylsma, Australian eight-ball representative Matthew Curwood, mountain bike orienteering competitor Declan Dickson and exciting boxing prospect Dylan Mallia will contest the award.
The BSC will also present the Hollioake Medallion for the team or team player of the year and the Mackenzie Award for sports administrator of the year.
The 2002 Winter Olympic Games speed-skating gold medal winner, Steven Bradbury, will be guest speaker for the event.
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au
