First three Sports Stars for 23/24 announced
RYDE SPORTS FOUNDATION announced its first three Sports Star monthly winners at a special event at Gladesville Sporties in December 2023. Ryde-based darts competitor Rob Whyte, Gladesville’s Indoor Volleyballer Emilia Dunn and Cross Fit competitor Brandyn Gaskill were the first three 2023-24 Ryde Sports Foundation Sports Star of the Year monthly winners.
ROB WHYTE – DARTS
Rob has been playing darts for just six years and recently represented the Balmain & District Amateur Darts Association (BDADA) while winning the ‘NSW Legends’ state championships in Gosford.
With team mate Tony Wilson, he won the Men’s B doubles runners up title; and he was also the Men’s B singles winner.
As a result of his success, he qualified for the Legends National Championships in Bunbury, WA in October, where he continued his run of success.
Rob was part of the NSW team that won its division at the national tournament.
Formed in 1963, the BDADA is celebrating its 60th year in 2023. The association currently has 125 members representing clubs including Gladesville Sporties, North Ryde RSL, North Ryde Golf Club, Burwood RSL & Hornsby RSL.
BRANDYN GASKILL – CROSSFIT
Despite starting CrossFit only three years ago, Brandyn Gaskill has already claimed several impressive titles.
In May 2023, he become the fittest teenager in Oceania after winning the internationally sanctioned CrossFit qualifying event, the Torian Pro Oceania Championships.
He qualified 8th in his Division (worldwide) for the CrossFit Games in Wisconsin USA in August where he competed in eight events across three days to become the 7th Fittest Teenager on Earth.
Brandyn started CrossFit during the first COVID-19 lockdown at age 14.
His 22-year-old sister Kaitlyn was a member of CrossFit GEO in Gladesville which began offering workouts on-line to members and their families.
It was his commitment to learning new skills and improving that has led him to his successes.
Brandyn is an incredibly dedicated and hard-working athlete. He trains six days a week, for a total of 18 – 22 hours, balancing this around his education and part-time job.
In May 2022, his plans for the CrossFit Games were almost derailed by a broken wrist, but he modified his training to allow him to maintain his fitness while this healed.
This was also a significant mental challenge and he has demonstrated resilience and determination as well as good humour.
As he is only 17, Brandyn could compete in a Junior or Futures category for several more years. However, he has chosen to challenge himself by registering to compete in the December Down Under Championships as part of the Elite Adult category.
On a personal level, Brandyn is said to display exceptional maturity and this allows him to effectively share skills and encouragement with people more than twice his age but also to encourage those younger than him to pursue an active lifestyle and Healthy mindset.
EMELIA DUNN – INDOOR VOLLEYBALL
Emelia is playing her first year of club representative volleyball in the Sydney Youth Volleyball League with Sydney Acers Volleyball Club and is the captain of the Under-16 Girls Division 1 team.
She has been selected as captain because of her leadership and social skills. She is extremely hardworking and always there to support her teammates both on and off the court.
As captain, Emelia always holds herself and her teammates to a high standard resulting in an accelerated development and positive learning environment.
During games, Emelia is always the loudest and first to cheer after every point, putting a smile on her teammates faces and keeping the teams morale at a peak at all times.
Another example of her leadership qualities is her ability to communicate with her teammates no matter their playing position or background.
The team had introduced an international student and Emelia was able to connect with her immediately, further welcoming the new girl and increasing team chemistry.
Throughout the season, Emelia has definitely made a name for herself, resulting in her selection for the NSW U16 Girls Phoenix Squad to compete at the National Championships held in Bendigo in September.
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“We’re so excited to be able to announce our first three Sports Stars for 2023/24,” RSF chairman Rob Wilkinson said.
”We appreciate the contribution of Gladesville Sporties which hosted our first event,” he said.
”Of course, Sporties is part of Club 6 – which also includes North Ryde RSL, Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, Club Ryde, North Ryde Golf Club, Gladesville RSL and Gladesville Sporties – whose generous ongoing financial support helps Ryde Sports Foundation continue its work, recognising and celebrating local sporting talent.”
For more information on how to nominate a Sports Star, visit: www.rydesportsfoundation.com.au/award-nomination/