Footy player Jed Hagan & track star Christi Bestry share Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards junior gong
Being a junior sports star in a regional area requires dedication and support, according to this year’s best of the best.
But both of them say people should not give up on their dreams.
Footy player Jed Hagan, the two-time reigning champion, and track and field star Christi Bestry were joint winners of the Junior sports star award at the Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards on Friday.
Both thanked their community for the awards.
“I want to thank my mum, my dad, Gary (athletics coach Gary Clark), and everyone who has supported me,” Christi said.
Jed said: “It’s an honour to be recognised as one of the best in Geraldton, and I’m extremely thankful and grateful for everything everyone does.”
With the travel involved and the challenges of living regionally, Christi said she had a full schedule.
“I have States next year in February and then I have nationals in Brisbane in about April,” she said.
She said she would do 3000m, 1500m and steeplechase events.
Jed said he would most likely be moving to Perth next season.
The Year 11 student, a Brigades product, has been playing locally in the Great Northern Football League in between State matches and playing with East Fremantle.
He turned out for the Hawks league side four times last season as they won the premiership, kicking six goals in four games.
Mid West Sports Federation chair Mike Bowley praised the winners’ dedication. “No one’s done what he’s (Jed) done in that sort of competition,” Bowley said.
“To be able to play at State level a year under his age group consistently for three years in a row, he’s got a bright future in AFL for sure.
“When you look at what Christi has been able to achieve, she is really, really strong.”
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