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With a worldwide pandemic in play, the Star Tribune made an unusual request of its seven metro winter athletes of the year in their individual sports: Since we can't get all of you in for a studio portrait, show us what you've got with a camera in your hand.

Congratulations to each, and a special thanks for your homespun efforts.

Here's are stories about each of the honorees:

Bella Frattalone is the Star Tribune Metro Gymnast of the Year

The Mahtomedi senior concluded her gymnastics career by winning the Class 2A all-around title, one year after winning the Class 1A championship.

Derrick Cardinal is the Star Tribune Metro Wrestler of the Year

The Forest Lake senior wore a t-shirt during his undefeated, title-winning season to honor his coach's wife, who was stricken with cancer before the season.

Andrew Karpenko is the Star Tribune Metro Boys' Swimmer of the Year

Andrew Karpenko knows how to compensate for not having the prototypical body of an elite swimmer. At 5-10 with broad shoulders and longer torso, he makes up for his lack of height with precise wall turns and superb underwater technique.

Sophia Palmquist is the Star Tribune Metro Girls' Alpine Skier of the Year

It didn't take the eighth-grader long to make an impact at her first Alpine skiing state meet in February.

Luke Conway is the Star Tribune Metro Boys' Alpine Skier of the Year

The Minneapolis Washburn senior had the perfect motivation this season after three earlier tries.

Molly Moening is the Star Tribune Metro Girls' Nordic Skier of the Year

The St. Paul Highland Park sophomore won the individual state title and helped her team to its first state championship.

Henry Snider is the Star Tribune Metro Boys' Nordic Skier of the Year

The Mounds Park Academy senior knew from experience how to make up a gap in the second race of the state meet.