A PHENOMENAL 2018 has earned sailor Zac Littlewood a spot as a finalist in the WA Sports Star Awards.
The Applecross resident (17) claimed the 2018 Laser Radial World Championships during August in Germany, competing against all age groups in an impressive display.
For the second year in a row, the Fremantle Sailing Club member is a finalist in the Junior Sports Star category.
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READ NOW“It’s good to be acknowledged for the work I’ve put in during the past year,” he said.
“It’s quite special when you consider that everyone is worthy to be a finalist.
“The World Championships in Germany was an amazing experience, I had only turned 17 and the year before I finished third.”
Zac said it was a surprise to do so well in the championships, especially after overcoming a setback in the lead-up.
“I had a concussion which came from playing football at school, which mean that I missed out on training from February to April,” he said.
“It’s an injury that is different from a broken bone or something like that.
“My grandmother (Anne) is my inspiration, she is my driver and works out all the logistics.
Zac finished third in the World Junior Championships at Corpus Christi in the United States, which rounded out an impressive year.
“Coming off the World Championships, it was a bit off a bummer but then I realised that finishing third is pretty good,” he said.
“It was an amazing year and I got to spend it with my coaches, friends and family.”
Zac will compete in Youth Sailing World Championship in Poland and the Laser Radial Youth Championships in Canada this year.
WA Sports Star Award winners will be announced on Thursday, February 7.