RISING Port Stephens athlete Anna Taylor-Anderson has been recognised for her sterling efforts on and off the athletics track.
The talented 14-year-old from Salamander Bay received the prestigious Lee Thompson Memorial Sportsmanship Award at Port Stephens Athletics Club’s end-of-season presentation at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.
It was a fitting reward for the Tomaree High School Junior Sportsperson of the Year, who has developed into one of the best sprint hurdlers in the region, with stand out performances over the 80m and 90m at an elite level.
Anna continues to blossom under the coaching of respected mentor Bob Walkley, clocking personal best times at various championship meets and also achieving success in triple jump, high jump and 100m sprint events.
She also led the club’s charge at this year’s NSW Junior Track and Field Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre.
Port Stephens Athletics Club president Michelle Chan told News Of The Area that the young hurdler is a “worthy recipient of the Sportsmanship trophy.
“Anna gives 100 percent on the athletics track either when training or in competition, and is a fine role model for her club mates.
“She is quick to offer encouragement and help coach our juniors and is a real inspiration to the younger athletes with her strong work ethic and technique advice.
“In particular, Anna did an excellent job assisting our juniors at the zone and regional carnivals this season.”
The Sportsmanship Award perpetuates the memory of Lee Thompson – a dedicated volunteer for the club during the late 1990s and early 2000s – who tragically died in his 40s.
Lee’s son Blake Thompson presented the trophy to Anna.
Port Stephens Athletics Club sprint legends Grace Hewitt and Summah Harrison – both national medallists over 100m and 200m – presented the Rookie of the Year trophy to Indiana Weine and Champion Boy and Champion Girl awards to Brayden Weine and Lydia Lailai-Smith.
By Chris KARAS
