Article Written by Aaron Kirby | The West Australia
A resurrected cricket career and high-flying gold medal have earned Mitch Marsh and Pole vaulter Nina Kennedy nominations in one of WA’s most prestigious sports awards.
The West Australian can reveal the pair are both finalists for the SportWest WA Sports Star of the Year award — alongside Minjee Lee, Min Woo Lee, Courtney Bruce, Jai Hindley, Matt Wearn and Annabelle McIntyre — which recognises the outstanding and highest achievement of an individual from Western Australia.
Previous winners include Javelin thrower Kimberley Mickle (2013), fast bowling Test cricketer Mitchell Johnson (2014) and three-time premiership star Simon Black (2002).
Mitchell Marsh
The storied history of the Marsh family and their contribution to Australian cricket reached new heights in 2023 thanks to the man known affectionally as ‘Bison’.
Mitch Marsh was a dominant force for the Australian cricket team in a stellar year that saw them win a Test in India, retain the Ashes in England and then claim a record-extending sixth World Cup title in India.
The West Australia played key roles in the Ashes and World Cup, crashing a mesmerising 118 from as many balls against England in Leeds in his long-awaited return to Test cricket.
He only got better in the World Cup, stepping into a new role after Travis Head missed the first half with injury.
Marsh struck 121 against Pakistan before a career-high 177 not out against Bangladesh as his side won nine games in a row to claim the One-Day crown.
Nina Kennedy
Kennedy had the year of her life in 2023, overcoming injury to become a World Champion.
She entered the 2023 World Athletics Championships as a favourite after returning strongly from her layoff.
She proved the label was well earned as she jumped past her national record twice, going jump-for-jump with reigning world champion Katie Moon.
They remained inseparable before deciding to share the gold medal in heart-warming scenes.
She capped off 2023 with gold at the Zurich Diamond League meet, creating another Australian record at 4.91m to beat Moon.
The 2023 WA Sport Awards will be presented on Thursday, 29 February 2024 at HBF Stadium. Tickets are on sale now, purchase your ticket HERE.
For more information
Please contact SportWest Events Manager, Hannah Lawton at events@sportwest.com.au or Communications Manager Bronte Vause at brontevause@sportwest.com.au
