The south-west is going to have plenty of Olympians to cheer on at the Tokyo Olympic Games later this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Warrnambool Seahawks export, Nathan Sobey, and Casteron product, Kathryn Mitchell, were both selected for the Games on the weekend.
Nathan was selected for the Australian Boomers' 12-player basketball team while Kathryn, a javelin thrower, is competing at her third Olympics.
Nathan's family and long-time supporters are over the moon about him making his Olympics debut.
His selection came after his outstanding NBL form earned him a late call-up to the Boomers' Olympic squad.
He was a shock omission from the original 24-player roster announced earlier this year.
His mum, Kerrie, said it was an amazing achievement.
"For Nathan, it's a dream come true, he's actually been very fortunate to be able to have the journey he's had," she said.
"And then he's defied a lot of odds throughout the basketball career he's had to now to get to this level."
Kerrie said the family had a video call before the team was released to the public.
She said he was thrilled.
"Nathan's not one to actually gloat or anything like that, he had a lot of pride and was absolutely excited and elated that he made the cut to the 12," she said.
Kerrie said the family was overwhelmed by positive messages on the weekend.
"Warrnambool Basketball is such a community-minded environment, everyone there over the time I've been involved with basketball, has always been supportive and they've recognised Nathan through their own platforms," she said.
Nathan's younger brother, Jacob, spoke of his sibling's persistence.
"It's a testament to his hard work he's put in over time," he said.
"I think everyone sort of knew not making that initial squad was a bit of a kick in the guts but Nathan being Nathan took that as an opportunity to improve and get better."
Jacob, who is also Warrnambool Seahawks and Mermaids chairman, said Nathan's milestone was great for Warrnambool basketball.
"It's great for our program, for aspiring juniors to see someone who has come through that program from under 12s all the way to senior representative level at Warrnambool to then represent your country and play in the NBL," he said.
Lester Pickett coached Nathan throughout juniors and also highlighted his determination.
"For a kid from Warrnambool to get that far and he didn't make any of the country Victoria (teams) or any of that sort of stuff," he said.
"He's gone right through on his own bat.
"So to get to college and go on and then play professional basketball, it's a testament to his work ethic.
"And I've seen him work out, he never stops, he's one of the better players I've seen with his work ethic.
"He deserves everything he gets."
Pickett has kept on eye on Nathan's progress since he left for college in the United States.
Something that continues to impress Pickett is Nathan keeps improving.
Pickett said Nathan's parents deserved all the accolades as well.
"It's amazing what they've done to send him to college and do all that sort of stuff," he said.
Lee Primmer, the current Warrnambool Mermaids coach, was another important mentor for Nathan growing up.
"I don't think I've seen an athlete work as hard and probably not make squads and Vic sides through his career," Primmer said.
"And then for him to go to college to America and come back the player he was, then he came back to his hometown and helped win a championship - they hadn't won one since 1998.
"What he's done is incredible, because when they picked the (Olympic) squad at the start of the year, Nathan wasn't in that and he didn't sook and carry on about it, he just let his game do the talking and now to make the team to go to the Olympics - it's one of the best stories you'll ever hear or see."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.