He's tested himself on international waters, but on Thursday night Joseph Burton was acknowledged for his achievements right where it all began.
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The 18-year-old kayaker from Albury was crowned the 2020 Norske Skog Young Achiever of the Year, emerging from a field of 12 talented Border stars from various sporting backgrounds.
Coming off the back of one of his biggest years to date, Burton claimed state championships before representing Australia in World competitions in Norway and China, while also finishing his HSC studies taking out Dux.
But the talented youngster has also experienced the lows, with an injury sidelining him the year prior.
Burton's hard work hasn't stopped there, with the newly dubbed Young Achiever now studying medicine at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.
While study commitments prevented Burton from attending Thursday night's award ceremony at Albury's Commercial Club, parents Lee and Chris were there in his absence.
"He just really had an awesome 2019, we're very proud," Lee said.
"He came back from his Achilles injury and just said this is what I want to do, so he worked hard at school and kayaking.
"Time management, for him he said, he wouldn't have learnt if he didn't have to juggle the two.
"He sets goals for himself.
"He'd just want to thank John Baker and Matt Flower who have been with him all the way and the Mitta Mitta Canoe Club that have supported him as well."
The proud parents have seen first hand the hard work Burton has put in behind the scenes, with them also putting in the hard yards alongside him over the years.
"We've sacrificed and given a lot of support along the way, but it's totally worth it," Lee said.
"He'll be surprised- over the moon.
"I'll think he'll be in shock like me."
The night marked the 25th year of the Young Achiever Award, with Burton now joining the likes of home grown sports stars Lauren Jackson, Britteny Cox and James Willett as just some of the successful recipients.
