TOP North Central netballer, marathon runner and duel Queen of the Mountain winner Carly Isaac is the Loddon Herald Sports Star of the Year.
The new Boort A Grade netball coached was announced the shire’s top sportsperson for 20234-2024 at Monday’s dinner at Donaldson Park, Wedderburn.
In a field of monthly winners from a diverse range of sports, Isaac accepted the award from Sports Star ambassador Rhianon Gelsomino and Loddon Herald managing editor Chris Earl.
Isaac said it was an honour to be named Sports Star of the Year and praised all monthly award winners.
She also thanked family, friends and the Loddon sporting community for support of all people playing in local communities.
Over the year, Isaac had competed in a major marathon where she recorded a personal best time and finished second, was pipped for the North Central netball A Grade best and fairest and defended her Wycheproof Queen of the Mountain crown.
Earlier, more than 50 people at the dinner heard from Rhianon who praised the monthly award winners for their successes.
“Success doesn’t just find you. You have to go out and get it. Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. Dream it. Wish it. Do it. Always remember one year equals 365 opportunities,” she said. 
“Sport, is my life. Growing up in a small town like Wedderburn, I played many sports and loved competition. 
“I look back to when I was a young girl, always pushing the boundaries in the pursuit of perfection. Just like all of you.
“I have been a full-time professional rally co-driver now since 2010 and co-driver to legend Travis Pastrana, since 2020. 
“I still remember calling my dad to tell him I was co-driving for Travis Pastrana and Dad telling me, be careful what you wish for. Haven’t you seen Travis jump out of a plane with no parachute. 
“In 2021 Travis Pastrana and I won the American Rally Championship. A dream come true for me. I was 41 years old and this reminded daily that you are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
“Striving towards achieving my ambition took a high amount of hard work and a belief in beating the odds. 
“I truly believe the challenges along the way have helped shape me into the person I am today. 
“Throughout my racing, I’ve had to deal with some hard set backs and I’ve had my share of injuries including braking my legs in 9 places and being burnt on my hands and face. 
“In these darkest times in my career, I truly questioned, what am I doing here, but I reminded myself, you can’t control injuries, but you can control how hard you work to come back. Injury in general teaches us to appreciate every moment.
“My story is and always has been, about more than just me. Without the massive support of my family, husband, community, sponsors and fans, this road I have taken, would never have been travelled and I will be forever grateful for that.
“I live and breathe rallying and this journey has been as much a dream of mine, as it has my family. Through all the highs and lows everyday I wake up and are thankful, that even in my hardest times I never gave up or made excuses.”
Rhianon had advice for younger sportspeople in the Loddon Shire.
“To the people chasing their goals here tonight, my advice to you is, remember success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out,” she said.
“Never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Never set limits. Go after your dreams, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. Don’t be afraid of failure. The best motivation always comes from within. Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision.”
And in a salute to the monthly Sports Star award winners, she said: “Your dedication and perseverance have led you to this achievement tonight. Congratulations on reaching new heights and keep shining.”
Catering at Monday’s dinner was by Anne Marie Davis of Little Sangria with wines  from Black Wallaby, the dinner promoting both local sporting achievements and local produce.