1. Hannah Green, golf
For some, Hannah Green's PGA Championship win at the Hazeltine National Golf Club seemingly came out of nowhere, but the news was by no means a surprise to anyone who's seen her swing. After turning pro in 2016, she worked her way through the Symetra tour in the US in 2017 winning three events, claiming rookie of the year and gaining her ticket to the LPGA. When the 22-year-old took out the major, she became the first Australian woman to win a golfing major in 13 years and one of only three Australian women to ever do so.
2. Hayley Wilson, skateboarding
From picking up her first skateboard at the Reject Store at eight years old to becoming the youngest woman to qualify in the street division of the X Games at the age of 15 – Hayley Wilson is skyrocketing through the sport. The now 17-year-old has her sights fixed firmly on Tokyo 2020, where skateboarding has been included as one of the five new Olympic sports.
3. Isabelle Kelly, rugby league
Powerhouse NRLW star Isabelle Kelly made history when she won the first-ever Rugby League International Federation Women's Golden Boot award as the best female player at international level.
4. Lani Pallister, swimming
After achieving a new personal best in the women’s 1500m freestyle at the 2019 Aussie World Swimming Trials and clocking a new Australian Age Record in the process, Lani Pallister has firmly cemented herself at one of Australia's rising swimming stars. The 17-year-old was also named the world’s best junior female swimmer after she won four individual medals, including three golds in the 400, 800, and 1500 metre freestyle, as well as a silver as part of Australia’s 4 x 200 freestyle relay, at the 2019 FINA World Junior Championships.
5. Zitina Aokuso, basketball
It's been a break out year for 20-year-old Zitina Aokuso, who averaged 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds with the Townsville Fire – despite playing with a fractured foot and little training. The emerging talent has also been tipped to represent her country in the near future, with a call up to the Australian Opals training squad April.
Tune into Channel 7 on Friday October 18 to watch the 2019 Women's Health Women in Sport Awards and show your support online with the hash tags #WHWinS #WomenInSport.
