BMX athlete Isla Basa was named South West Sydney Academy of Sport athlete of the year in 2024 and 2025.
The young star needed a stellar year in the past 12 months to go three from three, and that’s exactly what happened.
She finished first in the Junior Elite Women category of the 2026 Australian Championships, second at the Oceania Championships and third at the World Championships.
Isla finished in second spot in the Australian National Series SuperClass (PRO) Women category and holds an unassailable lead in the NSW State Super Class Series. And, finally, she was selected into the 2026–2027 AusCycling emerging and developing athlete pathway program.
Yet despite her successes, this wonderful young athlete was a picture of humility when she was presented with her third academy athlete of the year award last Friday night at the Cube.
To be fair she was a little stunned at winning this big award for a third consecutive time and was lost for words when handed the microphone.
The next mountain she must climb is an Olympic medal, and hopefully that will happen in the Brisbane Games in 2032 – if not before then.
While that was the highlight of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport 2026 Annual Awards Night, plenty of other achievements were in the spotlight.
Around 300 guests attended the event, sponsored by Campbelltown Catholic Club.
South West Sydney Academy of Sport Regional Manager Martin Bullock said the awards night was a chance to celebrate the dedication of athletes, coaches and volunteers across the region.
“Every year this night reminds us just how much talent and commitment we have across South West Sydney,’’ Mr Bullock said.
“To see Isla back up on stage for a third year running as athlete of the year is a testament to her hard work, but honestly every athlete, coach and volunteer we recognised tonight deserves that same recognition,’’ he said.
“Our Academy simply wouldn’t function without the support of our partners, our coaches and our families, and nights like this are our chance to say thank you.’’
The night also marked the first presentation of the Gerry Knights Leadership Award, previously known as the Chairperson’s Award, won by netball athlete Ella Gunther.
Two new Life Members were inducted in recognition of their outstanding and long-standing contribution to the Academy: Gerry Knights and Peter Campbell.
