Article Written by Aaron Kirby | The West Australian
A year dreams are made of has catapulted Olympic medallists Matt Ebden and Maddison Keeney into the reckoning for the SportWest WA Sports Star of the Year award.
The doubles star who claimed Australia’s first tennis gold medal this century and the world diving phenomenon are the next two nominees for the prestigious award.
Two more will be unveiled each day ahead of the ceremony on February 6, with cricketer Mitch Marsh, Australian water polo captain Zoe Arancini, surfer Jack Robinson, swimmer Iona Anderson, dual Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps and netballer Sophie Garbin already announced.
Alongside John Peers, Perth’s Ebden made history in Paris and put the jewel in the crown of his incredible 2024 efforts.
The gold medal capped off a year that also saw Ebden win the Australian Open doubles title, a feat that helped propel him to world No.1.
Keeney’s 3m springboard silver medal at the Paris Games was a testament to her strength and resilience after waiting eight years for her second chance.
After finishing fifth at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and claiming bronze in her pairs events, injury cost her a chance in Tokyo five years later.
She delivered when it mattered, finishing with dives of 74.40 and 78.20 to claim a place on the podium.
2024 WA Sport Star Finalists so far:
Iona Anderson | Swimming
Jack Robinson | Surfing
Mitchell Marsh | Cricket
Patrick Cripps | Australian Rules Football
Sophie Garbin | Netball
Zoe Arancini | Water Polo