Noosa’s crowning sports glory

Noosa sport has really shone over the past few weeks.
Former Noosa junior golfer Steven Bowditch, speedster Samantha Johnson and Noosa lifesaver Ian Young are all in the headlines.
The big-hitting Bowditch led from start to finish to claim his second win on the rich US circuit with a 18 under victory at the Bryon Nelson title in Texas.
Former coach and Noosa pro Shane Healey was impressed.
“It’s a massive effort to lead wire to wire especially against such a quality field,” he was quoted as saying.
Steve should be very happy with himself, as he hasn’t had a dream run on the cut throat American tour.
His battle with depression has been well documented, making his 14-year professional career a pretty torrid affair at times.
I remember Steve’s early amateur days with his highlight coming third at the world junior championships.
Locally, he didn’t have to go for far for some opposition. World champ Richard Moir and Australian winner Jon O’Sullivan are both from Headlands Golf Club.
I suppose the only thing better than winning $1.2million, is the victory gives him a start in next year’s US Masters.
I hope this win, will finally tip this gifted Peregian boy into the arena he deserves.
The Sunshine Coast Sports Federation held its monthly athletes breakfast to present nominees their reward for their efforts from January to May.
Again a quality field of national and international performances in eight sports – three world records, eight national team members, one World Cup and two Oceania champions.
The oldest 33 and youngest 15, and most eyes firmly fixed on Olympic or Commonwealth Games.
Tewantin’s 15-year-old Samantha Johnson was well and truly in the mix after her glittering performances at the Oceania athletics championships in Cairns.
Her first Aussie team and she came home with a gold and silver and massive smile. It was silver in the 100 hurdles and gold in the 4×100 metres relay.
Samantha’s refreshing attitude was another winner ‘I had no expectations going into the event and coming home with the medals at my first International meet, is just amazing’.
Fellow Noosa athlete Ashleigh Reid was another winner, bouncing back after a layoff to claim the Open high jump.
The win maybe the encouragement needed to keep her focused towards the Gold Coast Games in three years.
The Queens honour’s list provides us with some wonderful locals, to have given so much to others. Veteran Noosa lifesaver Ian Young was deservedly among this year’s list after a 43-year-service of helping save swimmers, sailors and surfers in the Noosa and sunshine Beach area.
The current Supporters Club president was awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
With too many achievements to list, Ian fondly suggests ‘being involved with the design and development of the aluminium jet rescue boat was the stand-out’.
He also mentioned the installation of the rescue beacon at Alexandra Bay as a turning point.
To Ian, wife Mary-Jo and family, thanks and well done.
Until next time.