Foster won the national barrel racing title at the Australasian Team Roping Association National Finals at Capella in September.

She also won the finals barrel racing title at the same event.

That followed the ATRA North West NSW barrel racing title at Gunnedah in June.

She started the year by winning the rookie barrel racing and rookie all round cowgirl titles at the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals at Tamworth in January.

Foster was stunned when she heard she been named Moree Champion Sportsperson of the Year.

“Oh my God! How exciting!” she said.

“It’s exciting. Winning anything’s exciting. It was so unexpected.”

She had no idea she was in contention for the award as she hadn’t yet read Tuesday’s paper, which contained a list of the 16 nominees.

Moree Champion manager Ron Turton (pictured) congratulated Foster on her success.

“To be crowned a national champion in any sport is a wonderful accolade,” Mr Turton said.

“Danielle has worked very hard and travelled far and wide competing in ATRA and ABCRA and other events.

“As usual, Moree should be very proud of the number of fine athletes that the town has produced in various sports.

“It was a difficult task picking a winner and I’d like to congratulate the other finalists in all fields of sport who keep keeping Moree on the national and

international map.”

Champion editor Cady Andersen also offered glowing praise.

“Congratulations to Danielle on her win; what a fantastic year she has had,” Ms Andersen said.

“It must be an amazing feeling after all her hard work to have taken out such top events, and to be recognised by the local community for her achievements.

“I’m sure we are going to see plenty more of Danielle in the future.”

Foster’s success would not have been possible without a lot of hard work.

“If you’re not training every day you can’t be competitive,” she said.

She said her goal for 2012 was to win consecutive North West and Australian barrel racing titles.

Foster’s next event is the Upper Horton Rodeo in January.