Tonight, the 12 nominees for the annual Mercury Sports Star of the Year award will be celebrated at a glittering gala dinner in Wollongong.

All have made their mark in their chosen discipline.

Kayaker David Smith and swimmer Emma McKeon are chasing Olympic glory this year, while Wests rugby league club, NSW Premier League women’s soccer team the Stingrays and NRL outfit St George Illawarra have already reached the summit of their competitions.

Reigning Mercury Sports Star champions, the Dragons, won the 2011 World Club Challenge, adding to their 2010 NRL title.

The Red Devils (Illawarra Coal League) and the Stingrays (NSWPL) have both been irresistible in the past three campaigns.

Aidan Riley became the second person from the Illawarra to play in the AFL when he made his debut for the Adelaide Crows.

Gerroa surfer Sally Fitzgibbons won three world tour events last year and finished second overall on the women’s tour, while bodyboarder Jason Finlay also claimed a tour victory.

Caitlin Foord was named the women’s soccer World Cup best young player for her outstanding performances that helped Australia advance to the knockout stages.

Completing the all-star list, 2009 Mercury Sport Star winner Jay Marmont will celebrate his fourth consecutive motocross championship.

The winner and the people’s choice winner, as voted by our readers, will be published in Saturday’s Mercury.