Contributed by Matthew Gilbert

Dubbo Cycle Club member Emily Williams has been honoured with The Dubbo Australia Day Sportsperson of the year award; it is the seventh time this award has gone to the prolific club.

Not only is Emily a tremendous cyclist but also works as a first responder, helping the community as part of her professional life.

“Em” is a very kind team member who has worked diligently on her endurance training and has had inspirational cycling success at State and National Championships on both track and road.

Emily won the very first national medal for the club in 2022 with a bronze at Ballarat in the Road Criterium in January. At the New South Wales Track Titles, her medal tally increased by four gold medals with one in the Elite division for the individual pursuit and three in the master’s Category for the Team Sprint, Pursuit and Scratch Race.

This success inspired her to prepare conscientiously with the coaching staff for the campaign ahead.

At the National Track Titles in April at the Anna Mears Velodrome Emily took a staggering five gold & one bronze medal and in doing so returned a fantastic result for her efforts.

As the consummate team member at National and State Track Championships Emily supported her two fellow Dubbo Cycle Club Members Erica Lunney and Heather Maleham to a Bronze Medal and Gold Medal respectively in Team Sprint Events. Her fondest memory was sharing the podium as a team and displaying the Dubbo Cycle Club “Green Machine” Team spirit.

The subsequent medal haul after a year of hard work is a testament to what is possible with determination and a great team.

“Emily is prepared to do the work and so deserves all the success due to her as a result," Coach Gus Dawson said.

She was a deserving winner of the prestigious award and after the ceremony, she graciously thanked her family, team and coaches for her support which led to her successfully receiving the award on the special day.

Locally racing continues at the Dubbo Regional Cycling facility at 6:30 on Tuesdays. Next week, on Tuesday, February 7, we will be hosting another Wheelrace and Tiny Tot trophy night for the youngsters as young as three, to the oldest, in a friendly and supportive environment. Come along and join the fun!