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Following an extraordinary season of athletic prowess, pole vault Nina Kennedy has been named the Western Australia Sport Star of the year at the 2024 WA Sport Awards.

The award recognises Kennedy remarkable year which started with her claiming the Australian Championship title, setting the stage for an impressive international campaign. Just a month later, she showcased her elite talent with a stunning silver medal performance at the Doha Diamond League.

The pinnacle of her achievements came at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she delivered a breathtaking performance to secure the Olympic Gold Medal. With this historic win, Kennedy made history as the first Australian woman to clinch gold in a field event at the Olympic Games, solidifying her legacy and inspiring a new generation of athletes.

In other awards, swimmer Iona Anderson has been awarded back-to-back rebel Junior Sports Star Award, following an exceptional 2024 Paris Olympics debut campaign. Iona Anderson has rapidly risen to prominence in the swimming world, earning two silver medals at her first World Championships in Doha and contributing to Australia’s gold medal victory in the 4x100m medley relay. Her stellar performance continued at the Paris Olympics, where she secured silver and bronze medals in the women’s 4x100m medley and mixed relay, respectively.

Claiming his second Coach of the Year Award, Ritchie Smith has been recognized for his outstanding coaching expertise, earning both the WA PGA Performance Coach of the Year and the Australian PGA High Performance Coach of the Year awards in 2024. His impactful coaching was evident at the Paris Olympics, where he guided three members of the Australian Olympic Golf Team - Hannah Green, MinWoo Lee and MinJee Lee.

2024 WA Sport Awards

WA Sports Star - Nina Kennedy (athletics)
Kennedy’s crowning as the 2024 WA Sports Star follows a series of near misses.

It’s the third straight year Kennedy has been a finalist for the award, and before this, her potential was noticed when she was twice a finalist for the Junior Sports Star Award in 2024 and 2015.

Kennedy’s determination that saw her bring home gold from Paris was rewarded last night, when she joined a fabled list of past Sports Star winners that sees her recognised in the top echelon of sporting talent Western Australia has produced.

Rebel Junior Sport Star - Iona Anderson (swimming)
In just a year, Iona Anderson has become one of Australia’s top backstroke swimmers. At her first World Championships in Doha, she earned two silver medals and helped Australia win gold in the 4x100m medley relay. Her success continued in Paris, where she secured silver in the women’s 4x100m medley and bronze in the mixed relay. Recognised for her achievements, Anderson received the Lyn McClements Swimmer of the Year award at the Swimming WA Awards of Excellence.

Team of the Year - WA Men’s Cricket Team (cricket)
The WA Men’s cricket team has solidified their status as one of the all-time greats of Australian domestic cricket teams with a clean sweep of both State-based competitions. After finishing second in the 2023-24 Marsh One-Day Cup regular season, they defeated NSW by five wickets to claim their third consecutive 50-over title. A month later, as minor premiers, they secured their third straight Marsh Sheffield Shield championship, dominating Tasmania by 377 runs at the WACA Ground.

Coach of the Year - Ritchie Smith (golf)
Renowned golf coach Ritchie Smith had an outstanding 2024 season, earning the WA PGA Performance Coach of the Year and Australian PGA High Performance Coach of the Year awards. His exceptional skills were highlighted at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he coached three members of the Australian Olympic Golf Team, including Hannah Green, MinWoo Lee and MinJee Lee. Smith’s success on the national and global stage inspires young golfers, showcasing the rewards of hard work and dedication.

ActiveXchange Official of the Year - Ryan Arblaster (swimming)
2024, Arblaster was appointed as a Technical Official for the Paris 2024 Games, marking his fourth selection - an extraordinary achievement, as officials typically serve a maximum of three Games. This honour reflects his esteemed status and ongoing commitment to both national and international federations. In this role, Arblaster oversaw competitions, ensuring strict adherence to the rules and maintaining the integrity of the sport, while also supervising fellow officials

Organisation of the Year - Squash WA
From Juniors through to Masters, Squash WA strive to create participation opportunities for all. With the backing of sponsors eager to support the sport, Squash WA have provided sustainable pathways for participants to engage with the game now and for a long time to come. 2024 saw Squash in WA exceed expectations, with the newly returned delivery of the WA State Masters Title attract a huge 93 entries across ages ranging from 35 years through to over 80 years. And with the state body in control of a revamped State Squash Centre since last July, the game in Western Australian is well placed to take advantage of their entry to Olympic competition in LA 2028.

Hyundai Sport Initiative of the Year - LGBTQIA+ Allyship in Sport Program (UWA Sport)
Launched in December 2023, the UWA Sport LGBTQIA+ Allyship in Sport Program is Western Australia’s first initiative promoting inclusivity and safety for LGBTQIA+ individuals. By training Club Active Allies in UWA Affiliated Clubs, the program fosters allyship and anti-discrimination principles. With 11 clubs participating, it has created the Allyship in Sport Network and provided essential training through Pride in Sport. This groundbreaking program aims to enhance visibility, participation, and cultural change within the UWA sporting community, ensuring everyone feels valued.

Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries Administrator of the Year - Shayley McGurk Davy (Hockey WA)
As General Manager of Game Development & Operations at Hockey WA, McGurk Davy has played a key role in enhancing the hockey experience from grassroots to elite levels.

Her commitment to health partnerships is evident in the creation of the Hockey for Health website and the transformation of the Fuel to Go & Play Café at the Perth Hockey Stadium, offering healthy meal options. She is also leading the Club Strategy Project, launching in 2025, to empower clubs with tailored support for long-term sustainability.

Service to Sport - May Campbell Medal
Helen Robinson (netball)
With a remarkable 60-year love affair with the sport, Helen Robinson began as Secretary of the Pingelly Netball Club in 1964. After moving to Perth, she dedicated 26 years to various committees and became a renowned Bench Official at local, state, and national levels. Helen’s passion extends beyond Australia, mentoring future officials and conducting international training courses. A recipient of the Australian Sports Medal, her impact on netball and beyond is truly inspiring.

Penelope Tanner-Hoath (football)
Penny Tanner-Hoath, a true trailblazer in women’s football. Representing Western Australia in the 1990s, she led her team through 11 national championships and earned a spot on Australia’s ‘B’ team. Off the field, Tanner-Hoath has been a vital force, chairing the Football West Women’s Standing Committee and dedicating 30 years to media coverage of the women’s game. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, she played a key role in the opening of the Sam Kerr Football Centre in 2023.

Vicki Delves (triathlon)
Vicki Delves, a triathlon pioneer with over 30 years of dedication! As a founding member of the City Triathlon Club, she has served as Head Coach, TRYStars Program Coordinator, and President. Delves founded the Women’s Triathlon Academy in 1997, which continues to empower women in the sport today. Her commitment extends to women’s cycling education and supporting various triathlon events. Honoured with Life Membership of Triathlon WA in 2024, Delves’ impact on the sport is truly remarkable

Community Sporting Event of the Year - Bike it to Ballidu Gravel (cycling)
The Bike it to Ballidu Gravel Festival, in its seconds year, saw a 44% increase in participants, reaching 475 riders. This event, supported by WestCycle and the Ballidu Progress Group, blends community spirit with a vibrant cycling culture, showcasing local charm and boosting the economy. With improved routes, family-friendly activities, and innovative strategies, it has fostered lasting engagement in cycling and strengthened community ties.

RSM Australia Community Sport Volunteer of the Year - Margie Oldfield (cricket)
Margie is a dedicated full-time volunteer committed to fostering inclusive environments in community cricket. As Chair of Team Connect, which she founded in 2018, and Chair of Metropolitan Junior Community Cricket, she works tirelessly to ensure children and families can access the sport. Oldfield’s initiatives have led to improved school attendance, mental health, and social connections among participants. With over 90% retention for girls in their first season, her passion and leadership continue to inspire and empower the community.

revolutioniseSPORT Community Club of the Year - John Gilmour Medal - Ellenbrook Vipers Rugby Union Club (rugby union)
Introducing the Ellenbrook Vipers Rugby Union Club, a vibrant community where rugby is a foundation for connection and growth. Over the past year, the Vipers doubled their teams, launched inclusive programs, and prioritised safety, creating a welcoming environment for all. Recognised as RugbyWA’s Club of the Year, the Vipers are truly a beacon of inclusivity and excellence in rugby.

Healthway Healthy Club Award - Pinjarra Football & Netball Club (AFL & netball)
Pinjarra Football & Netball Club has been recognised for its commitment to community health, delivering impactful initiatives over the past year. From the Summer Cool Down event, engaging 100 children, to the Tiger Cubs program welcoming families, they’ve filled gaps in youth activities. Their mental health initiatives, including the ‘Dunking the Stigma’ event, raised $3,600 for local youth services. With a focus on inclusivity and community connections, the club continues to enhance participation and well-being for all members.

Images: Nina Kennedy (top and middle) and Shayley McGurk Davy (below). Credit: SportWest.

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