Motocross and enduro star Danielle McDonald has been awarded a scholarship by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) to assist in the next phase of her burgeoning career.

The precociously talented 17-year-old, who finished first and third respectively in the women’s classes at the 2024 AORC and ProMX titles, will receive a $5000 sporting expenses grant from the SAHOF under the Scholarship & Mentoring Program – backed by the Australian Sports Commission – to help continue her motorcycle racing journey in 2025, as well as additional high-level support and guidance.

The other 2025 Tier 2 scholarship holders are Paris Paralympics swimming dual gold and silver medallist Callum Simpson, Jacob Cassar (boxing), Kali-yah Taoso (water polo), Noah Bradford (biathlon), Isaac Beacroft (athletics), Jemma Holt (lifesaving), Molly Bretag (shooting), Sarah Marriott (rowing) and Madison Lyon (squash).

“It is such an honour to be part of the SAHOF and to work with an amazing group of sports people is so exciting,” said McDonald. “To be recognised for my sporting achievements in this way is a great privilege and with SAHOF backing me I know I will achieve great things on and off the track.”

McDonald follows in the footsteps of 2024 recipient Angus Grenfell, currently competing in the JuniorGP World Championship, and Jacob Roulstone who has been a rookie revelation in the 2024 Moto3 world title.

McDonald’s stellar 2024 has also included a third place in the Australian ProMX Championship, and next month she will represent Team Australia in the Women’s World Trophy at the International Six Days Enduro in Spain alongside Jessica Gardiner and Tayla Jones – an event where she stunned the off-road world with her speed and guile as a 16-year-old in 2023.

For more information on SAHOF, click here.