Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly

HORSHAM SPORTS AND COMMUNITY CLUB
SPORTS STAR AWARD FINALISTS 2009

Click on the images or months below for more information on each 2009 finalist
Some images are provided courtesy of the Wimmera Mail Times

Mark O'Brien 2009 Wimmera Sports Star
2009 Horsham Sports & Community Club Wimmera Sports Star of the Year
Mark O'Brien

In front of a crowd of over 160 people, Horsham Cyclist Mark O’Brien was crowned the Horsham Sports and Community Club’s Sports Star for 2009 at a presentation dinner held at the Horsham Sports & Community Club on Monday, February 15th, 2010.

O’Brien’s dream of making it into an Australian team came true when he pulled on the green and gold and competed in the Under 23 world championships in Switzerland, and was the first Australian home in 28th position in the gruelling event. O’Brien was a silver medallist at the National Titles, 10th in the Elite Australian Championships, 5th in the “Ambacht Kermesse” in Holland, 25th in the Tour Of Ireland, where he met his idol Lance Armstrong.

O’Brien also found time to compete locally where he was 2nd in the Bendigo Tour, 5th in the Tour of Canberra and 7th in the Bendigo Madison. O’Brien was flanked by his parents Gerard and Helen, brother Xavier and girlfriend Kat when announced as the winner, and was full of praise for the support he has received throughout his career by his family, secondly by Drapac Porsche and finally by the Horsham Cycling Club who gave him his start. O’Brien was also appreciative of the support of the Wimmera sporting community, who had followed his career with a great deal of interest, especially through his diaries in the Wimmera Mail Times. O’Brien says he is looking forward to fulfilling his cycling potential in the next few years, which means riding more internationally, and is also hoping to secure a professional contract to help him achieve his dreams. [more information & all the winners]