INSPIRED TO REACH THEIR OWN GOALS
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES MAY TAKE ON EVEN MORE MEANING FOR SOME JUNIOR ATHLETES
THERE is always a time or place in your life that you remember.
For me it was when I was 16 and competing for Oceania in Dusseldorf. It was my first truly international competition and I felt out of my depth, with the Olympic champion to my right and the world recordholder to my left.
It was no surprise that I finished last in the 100m hurdles but it was at that moment I knew I wanted to see where my talent could take me in the world of track and field.
Whether it be a moment in time that helps you decide your direction in life, a world event that moves you or an eye-opener that reaffirms you are on the right path, there are moments that stick with you.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony was such a moment for eight selected athletes from the Gold Coast Academy of Sport.
Regan Hackett, an ice hockey player who won the GCAS male athlete of the year in 2016, was one of those.
“The opening ceremony had a great atmosphere. It was so cool to be around a bunch of professional athletes across so many sports who showed me that hard work pays off,” he said.
“There were many past, present and future champions in that arena. They all reached their potential through hard work to make it to the top.
“It’s important to keep working and not give up. I saw Yohan Blake, who has been a role model for me, and to see him in the flesh was amazing.
“To also meet Delta Goodrem, Kurt Fearnley, Brent Livermore and Sally Pearson who have chased their dreams was a major highlight.”
Regan knows they share one trait he now appreciates.
“Self-belief is a huge part of training and preparation and I now know that a pathway in the US NCAA is definitely a reality,” he said.
Regan returned to the Coast from his school in Canada to be part of the ceremony.
Alexis Seaton, who was representing her school, said: “I have always loved sport and this opportunity showed me that hard work and dedication are recognised.”
Azariah Wallace said she was “thrilled and honoured” to be chosen to be part of the 2018 opening ceremony and be able to represent youth in sport.
“This gave me an overwhelming sense of pride.”
Both girls said the atmosphere was electric and a moment they would cherish.
Zac Micallef, a young cricketer and leader within his school, said: “Running in the opening was probably the most honourable and proud moment of my life.”
This is where dreams are created in our minds – it is then up to the young athlete how they go about making those dreams a reality.
Applications are now open for the Futures Stars program along with rugby league, hockey, cricket and football.
Go to goldsport.com.au for information or send the academy an email.