Camden Youngblood, a freshman at Smith-Cotton High School, has been named the Missouri Lottery – Show-Me State Games 2021 Female Athlete of the Year.

According to a news release, Youngblood was surprised with the announcement by Show-Me Games Executive Director Dave Fox and Program Coordinator Jessie Sida on Friday, October 15, during Smith-Cotton’s Homecoming pep assembly.

Youngblood, age 14, medaled in every event she entered in the most recent games, earning three gold medals, three silver and a bronze.

Officials say when she was just 17-months-old, she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and underwent 10 rounds of chemotherapy, 12 rounds of radiation therapy and had a surgery to remove a tumor on her aorta. She began swimming lessons just before her first birthday and now swims with the Sedalia Bandits and Northland United clubs.

Fox told the students at the assembly that the purpose of the Games’ Athlete of the Year awards is “to encourage and promote the principals of good sportsmanship and performance by recognizing the athletes who embody these principles and demonstrate the Olympic spirit through leadership, positive change and performance.”

Photo: (Courtesy of Sedalia School District 200) Camden Youngblood, center, a freshman at Smith-Cotton High School, is presented with the Missouri Lottery – Show-Me State Games 2021 Female Athlete of the Year award by Games Executive Director Dave Fox, left, and Program Director Jessie Sida on Friday, October 15, during the S-C Homecoming assembly in the school gym.