GAMES DREAM ALIVE FOR POSTER GIRL
EVE Lutze helped the Gold Coast realise a dream six years ago when it was awarded the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Now the 16-year-old bid team poster girl is chasing her own Holy Grail by winning a spot on the swimming team at the April showstopper.
I’ve got tickets to the swimming so I’ll be there regardless of whether I’m swimming or spectating. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Eve Lutze
SIX years ago little Eve Lutze helped the Gold Coast win the Commonwealth Games.
This week a not-so-little Eve won a spot at the swimming trials that will determine who represents Australia at the once-in-a-lifetime event.
“It is surreal,” the 16-yearold said of her journey from Games bid team poster girl to gold medal winner at this week’s Queensland swimming championships.
“I’m still a very young swimmer – females tend to peak about 20 – but I’ll be giving it my best shot at the Commonwealth Games trials.
“I’ve got tickets to the swimming (at the Games) so I’ll be there regardless of whether I’m swimming or spectating. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The Games means everything to me.”
As a 10-year-old, Eve was plucked from All Saints Anglican School to be the face of the city’s bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Her image appeared on banners and buses. She presented the bid team’s official video and flew to Kuala Lumpur to help deliver the bid book to Games delegates.
Most famously, she shed tears in the arms of then premier Anna Bligh on the Caribbean island of St Kitts & Nevis when she learned the Coast had won the Games.
“I was only little but always appreciated how big it was for the Gold Coast to get the Games,” Eve said.
“I had to grow up very quickly. I had to speak in front of people and learned skills at a young age that I wouldn’t have without the Commonwealth Games.”
Having already qualified for February’s Australian Swimming Trials in the 16 years’ 400m freestyle, Eve yesterday went a step further by being crowned the 800m freestyle champion for her age.
She will line up again today in the 200m freestyle and while she is not expected to make the final Games team, she has justified the faith the bid team had in her all those years ago.
“It came out of nowhere,” Leesa Lutze, Eve’s mother, said of being approached via her swim club.
“She wasn’t with a (talent) agency. She wasn’t scouted. They just wanted Eve to be Eve and it has shaped the young woman she’s become.
“She’s done interviews and had to chat with professional athletes, politicians and professionals. Every step of the way she’s grown.
“It’s been a huge part of her little life. The last six years she’s benefited so much from the experience, as a lot of people have benefited from her involvement I dare say.”