AusTriathlon is on the hunt for the next generation of endurance champions, with its search supported through the Queensland Academy of Sport’s (QAS) YouFor2032 program, driven by RACQ. Open to young Queenslanders with a background in endurance sport, the program offers a unique pathway from grassroots to green and gold.
Queensland athletes Aspen Anderson and Brayden Mercer are living proof of what’s possible, showcasing how YouFor2032 is already creating game-changing opportunities for aspiring triathletes.
Aspen Anderson has been involved in triathlon from a young age but was also a high-level runner, faced with the choice of pursuing athletics or triathlon. Ultimately, she opted for triathlon, combining her strong running pedigree with her passion for multisport. Now a dual Oceania Champion and 2025 Australian Sprint Champion, Anderson has her eyes firmly set on October’s World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong, where she will line up as part of the Australian Junior Team, before continuing her push toward future Olympic aspirations.
On the men’s side, Brayden Mercer highlights the power of pathways and talent transfer. Growing up in an active family on the Gold Coast, Mercer first excelled in surf lifesaving before making the transition into triathlon. That background gave him the endurance, strength and resilience to step seamlessly into the demands of the sport, and he will now represent Australia in the Under 23 Team at the World Championships in Wollongong.
AusTriathlon Head of Performance Pathways Annette Eastwood said the program represents a critical step toward building long-term success.
“To achieve our mission of unprecedented success in Brisbane 2032 and beyond, we need a systematic approach to identifying and developing talent for Triathlon,” Eastwood said.
“This program aims to identify athletes who demonstrate potential for triathlon and provide them with an opportunity to develop as triathletes, and progress though the Performance Pathway towards podium success.”
The success of Talent ID pathways is already evident in this year’s Australian Junior Team. Several athletes heading to Wollongong began their sporting journeys in other disciplines before making the transition into triathlon, highlighting the transferability of endurance skills and the impact of programs like YouFor2032.
About YouFor2032
YouFor2032, driven by RACQ, is Queensland’s biggest athlete talent search, on the hunt for the state’s future champions. This edition focuses on athletes with endurance potential, opening doors for young Queenslanders from swimming, running, cycling, surf lifesaving and other sports to transition into high-performance pathways like triathlon.
Exceptional at endurance? Whether you run, swim or smash it in the surf, the program is looking for athletes with serious stamina – not just fast, but built to last. By standing out in the app, participants can earn invitations to face-to-face testing, with the opportunity to try something new or take the next step in their sporting journey. From the pool, the track or the surf, the skills athletes already have could power them into a high-performance future, supported by expert coaching and development opportunities.
How to Get Involved
Think you’ve got potential? Download the YouFor2032 app driven by RACQ today and take the first step toward your sporting future.
