Commonwealth Games gold medalists and reigning World Champions headline nominations for this year’s Gold Coast Sports Star of the Year.

The Award’s recipient will come from a stellar list of 13 local athletes and be announced at the annual black-tie event at Southport Sharks on Thursday, February 21.

Now in its 51st year, the awards night will celebrate the achievements of our city’s greatest athletes across a hugely successful year for Gold Coast sport.

Following gold medal performances at the Commonwealth Games, Katrin Garfoot, Dani Stevens, Skye Nicolson, Kelsey Cottrell, Michael Shelley, Emma McKeon and Domonic Bedggood have received nominations.

Equally as successful on the World stage, the other contenders are Steph Gilmore, Toby Price, Ali Day, Shakira Westdorp, Mat Belcher and Elizabeth Forsyth.

Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame Chairwoman Daphne Pirie said the calibre of this year’s finalists reflects the city’s position as a world-class sporting environment.

“The Gold Coast Sports Star of the Year Award finalists showcase what a truly spectacular year 2018 was for sport in this city,” she said.

“The Awards celebrate the Gold Coast as a stand-out performer on the global sporting calendar, not only for the quality of athletes we produce, but as the host of numerous international events, and 2018 sets a new benchmark.

“We again boasted more than our fair share of world champions and stellar performers, but as hosts of the Commonwealth Games we showed that we genuinely love, understand and get involved in sport.”

Former Sports Star of the Year winner and Hall of Fame member Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew said the Awards will once again help in spurring local athletes on to international success.

“I am so pleased to see the GC Sports Star Awards taking its rightful place as the night of nights for homegrown sporting icons and emerging stars,” he said.

“Last year’s event was a sensational lead into the Commonwealth Games and I do believe this inspired our bravest and best to pursue global recognition in their respective sports and disciplines.”

This year’s awards will also focus strongly on para-sport and grassroots participation, with further award categories in these areas.