AJ Tood Buswell 2022: Margaret River surfer Jack Robinson adds another prestigious gong to his cabinet

Margaret River surfing ace Jack Robinson added another special honour to his impressive list of achievements on Friday night in Bunbury. Robinson, who recently became the third ever WA male surfer to be ranked number one in the world, claimed the 2022 (AJ) Tood Buswell South Western Times Sports Star of the Year award. The longest running sport of its kind in WA, 2023 was the first time the South Western Times’ prestigious award was held in conjunction with the Bunbury-Geographe Sports Awards ceremony — also an inaugural concept. Busselton-born Nina Kennedy finished runner up, while the new “Bunbury Bullet”, para-swimming talent Alex Saffy, completed the podium. A household name in Australian surfing, Robinson peeled off two championship tour victories in 2022 – which helped him become the third ever WA male surfer to be ranked number one in the world earlier this year. Additionally, he finished third in the Rip Curl WSL Finals. On top of this success, Robinson spent the majority of the year battling intense stomach pain. So much so, he routinely vomited each night before an event. Upon the pain getting worse, he went to hospital, where it was determined his appendix needed to be removed. Kim Buswell, who spoke on behalf of his family, praised the South Western Times’ committed to upholding sporting achievements in the region for more than five decades. “I would like to thank the City of Bunbury for co-ordinating the event, especially with the South Western Times, for their leadership, time and professionalism put into this award to make it so special,” Mr Buswell said. “Who would have believed a sporting award created by my father Joe Buswell in 1960, 63 years ago, to honour his father’s love of sport and achievements would grow from the humble beginnings of first being presented on the back of a truck in Bunbury’s main street.” It was also a memorable evening for 15-year-old Connor Wright, who received the Myles Junior Sport Star of the Year award. “I am extremely happy to have won this award, it is a big achievement,” Wright said. “Especially at my age. It is a bit of a shock to the system as I didn’t think I would get it.” 2022 AJ (Tood) Buswell South Western Times Sports Star of the Year (top five) — Jack Robinson (surfing, winner), Nina Kennedy (runner up, athletics), Alex Saffy (para-swimming), Kye Blight (speedway), Damian Lane (racing) Coach - Tennille Panuccio (soccer, basketball) Myles Junior Sport Star of the Year - Connor Wright (mountain bike) Para-Athlete - Bradley Barclay (volleyball) Official - Julia Blandford (swimming) Team - Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association men’s 1st XI Sporting Event - 2022 Sunsmart Country Club Carnival Volunteer Service to Sport - Jason Reid (cricket, football)