![South-west's 2021 sporting highlights South-west's 2021 sporting highlights](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Kyra.Gillespie/e298255e-5978-4f4d-b4fb-2ed9ecb28354.png/r0_0_1920_1079_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
It was a challenging year for athletes across the south-west navigating the pandemic through 2021.
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We wanted to share with you the sporting highlights of The Standard's coverage across our daily newspaper, website and app.
Tomorrow we will delve into best photos of the year for New Year's Eve.
Thank you for all your support in 2021.
Here's a list of our top athletes and their achievements across the region this year:
Nathan Sobey
![FAMILY FIRST: Nathan Sobey's family in Warrnambool supported him during the Olympics. Picture: Morgan Hancock FAMILY FIRST: Nathan Sobey's family in Warrnambool supported him during the Olympics. Picture: Morgan Hancock](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Kyra.Gillespie/265d4c4c-d570-41f5-b945-6fbe008caf89.jpg/r0_0_2000_1333_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Warrnambool export was part of Australian sporting history as a member of the Boomers' bronze medal-winning Olympic basketball team.
Brody Couch
![GREEN MACHINE: Brody Couch (middle) is establishing himself at the Melbourne Stars. Picture: Getty Images GREEN MACHINE: Brody Couch (middle) is establishing himself at the Melbourne Stars. Picture: Getty Images](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/justine.mc%40fairfaxmedia.com.au/c2a342ac-0378-49ba-b1d6-ecb2bf5ca119.jpg/r0_0_3000_2067_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The cricketer from Nirranda made his Victorian debut in the Sheffield Shield and is starring for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.
Trevor Gleeson
![MEMENTOS: Trevor Gleeson hopes to replicate his NBL success in the NBA. Picture: Getty Images MEMENTOS: Trevor Gleeson hopes to replicate his NBL success in the NBA. Picture: Getty Images](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Kyra.Gillespie/23c4322b-c951-4471-ab2e-e8aa3a6df9cd.jpg/r0_0_7153_4769_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
From Warrnambool to the world stage. Made the move from NBL powerhouse Perth Wildcats to NBA franchise Toronto Raptors after taking a role as an assistant coach.
Gold Medals
![JUMPING FOR JOY: Symon Wilde celebrates Gold Medals' success at the May carnival. Picture: Chris Doheny JUMPING FOR JOY: Symon Wilde celebrates Gold Medals' success at the May carnival. Picture: Chris Doheny](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/justine.mc%40fairfaxmedia.com.au/1911d4a7-c7c1-42db-8c15-2046e807603b.jpg/r0_0_3526_2351_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Emotions were high when Warrnambool-trained Gold Medals won the Grand Annual Steeplechase in front of an adoring home crowd in May. It was a special moment for trainer Symon Wilde.
James McFadden
![HOME BREAK: James McFadden is back in Australia after racing in America for 10 months. Picture: Morgan Hancock HOME BREAK: James McFadden is back in Australia after racing in America for 10 months. Picture: Morgan Hancock](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Kyra.Gillespie/f74ab80e-715f-4548-841a-cbb511ca87eb.jpg/r0_0_4384_2923_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Warrnambool racer was named World of Outlaws' rookie of the year after committing to a full season in America.
Penny Smith
![GREEN AND GOLD: Penny Smith realised a dream of shooting at the Olympics. Picture: Morgan Hancock GREEN AND GOLD: Penny Smith realised a dream of shooting at the Olympics. Picture: Morgan Hancock](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Kyra.Gillespie/10a63191-0584-49d0-9b64-345ddb1c7c67.jpg/r0_0_4980_3320_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Finished sixth in her Olympic Games debut in the women's trap shooting competition, helping put Bookaar on the map.
Grace Kelly
![SPEEDSTER: Grace Kelly is considered a bright sprint prospect. Picture: Justine McCullagh-Beasy SPEEDSTER: Grace Kelly is considered a bright sprint prospect. Picture: Justine McCullagh-Beasy](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Kyra.Gillespie/0ff2f97c-dd91-41b7-921b-6460e057f060.jpg/r0_0_5139_3334_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Warrnambool talent who showcased her potential as one of the country's best young sprinters when, aged 14, she made the Stawell Gift final.
Jett Bermingham
![FLYING HIGH: North Warrnambool Eagles' Jett Bermingham with the Maskell Medal. Picture: Morgan Hancock FLYING HIGH: North Warrnambool Eagles' Jett Bermingham with the Maskell Medal. Picture: Morgan Hancock](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Kyra.Gillespie/8745f843-07de-409f-b19b-b7d05c4cd295.jpg/r0_0_3596_2397_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The North Warrnambool Eagles footballer etched his name into Hampden league history as one of the youngest Maskell Medals winners after claiming the prestigious medal aged just 18.
Jack Ansell
![NEW CHALLENGE: Jack Ansell is playing in the NCAA college system. Picture: Morganh Hancock NEW CHALLENGE: Jack Ansell is playing in the NCAA college system. Picture: Morganh Hancock](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/justine.mc%40fairfaxmedia.com.au/808362ca-e0ce-4633-b1e9-4c16d3d7b15e.jpg/r0_0_4724_3149_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Warrnambool athlete who joined NCAA Big 10 powerhouse Purdue University as a kicker after earning a scholarship to play and study in America.
Renee Saulitis
![SAINT-SATIONAL: Renee Saulitis is making her way in the AFLW. Picture: Morgan Hancock SAINT-SATIONAL: Renee Saulitis is making her way in the AFLW. Picture: Morgan Hancock](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Kyra.Gillespie/4165e0d6-adc9-4610-a254-7c4f1b9b906f.jpg/r0_0_3594_2396_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Became the first Warrnambool-raised footballer to play in the AFLW when she made her debut for St Kilda.
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