Jemma Smith is young athlete of the year

Umina surf life saver Jemma Smith has been awarded Australian Young Athlete of the Year at the 2017 Australian Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence.

Jemma Smith had another outstanding summer season in 2016-17.

In a season full of highlights, she competed at all levels and co-captained the Australian Youth Lifesaving team to an overall win at the World Championships.

She also began to make her mark on the senior circuit with some incredible results.

Jemma Smith's medal tally included three gold medals at the World Titles, 16 gold at Branch Championships, 12 at the State Champs, and three medals at The Aussies.

She was also a finalist in the Iron Series and won a fiercely contested Open Iron Woman in the North Wollongong leg of the Summer of Surf Series.

Jemma was named Junior Athlete of the Year at the 2017 NSW Sports Federation Awards, and has been away with the Australian Junior Kayaking team where she competed at the World Championships.

Killcare's Jennifer Webb was also honoured on the night, receiving an Individual Certificate of Merit.

SOURCE:

Media release, 6 Nov 2017

Donna Wishart, SLS NSW Media