Middle-distance star Jessica Hull has been recognised for a breakout season on the track, the 23-year-old named Athletics NSW female athlete of the year.
The Albion Park talent shot to prominence after turning pro last June, Hull running an Olympic qualifying time in the 5000 metre event in September.
Another impressive performance followed at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where she ran a personal best and narrowly missed a place in the final of the 1500m.
Hull secured her place on the Australian Olympic team by taking out the National 5000m Championships in February, before the Games were postponed due to COVID-19.
The American-based athlete has spent the past few months training in the Illawarra as a result of the virus.
Brandon Starc was named the men's athlete of the year while Hull was joined as an Athletics NSW award winner by Kembla Joggers' Dave Higgins, who was named official of the year.
Higgins, who has volunteered at meets for the past 15 years, was recognised for his contribution to the smooth running of athletics competitions throughout the season.
The Kembla Joggers life member was humble in receiving the honour.
"I'm proud I've got the award," Higgins said. "But we're not the pinnacle of the sport, that's the athletes. We're there to help them get to their goals.
"I do it for the love of the sport and it's nice to give back to the younger athletes. When they get old, hopefully they will do the same."
Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
