The race to Brisbane 2032 is already underway on the Gold Coast, with the rapid rise of young triathletes being identified and developed through Queensland’s largest sporting talent search program.
For siblings Hunter and Piper Anderson, the dream of representing Australia at a home Olympic Games is becoming increasingly real.
The Gold Coast teenagers are among six emerging athletes selected into AusTriathlon’s Aspire Talent Squad, the first of its kind high performance development program created through the Queensland Academy of Sport’s YouFor2032 Talent Search, driven by RACQ.
The squad is coached by two-time Olympian Aaron Royle and includes Hunter Anderson (17), Piper Anderson (15), Elke Rayward (15), Austin Camenzuli (17), Iskanar Wan (19) and Helena Butler (16).
Queensland Academy of Sport Executive Director of Coaching and Talent David Noble said building a strong pipeline of talent was critical to Queensland’s Olympic ambitions.
“Brisbane 2032 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity and it’s important we’re identifying talented athletes now and providing them with the support they need to reach the highest level,” he said.
“When we partnered with AusTriathlon on a YouFor2032 endurance testing event last year, the goal was to uncover athletes with the potential to succeed at the highest level. Less than a year later, we’re already seeing the results, with talented young athletes progressing into the Aspire Talent Squad and high performance pathway.
“The Gold Coast has a rich surf lifesaving culture and we’re seeing many of those athletes make a seamless transition into triathlon. That’s exactly what YouFor2032 is designed to do. We want to identify talent, create opportunities and help build Australia’s next generation of elite athletes.”
AusTriathlon Head of Performance Pathways Annette Eastwood said the partnership with QAS had created a valuable pathway for emerging athletes.
“Partnering with the QAS YouFor2032 Program has helped AusTriathlon establish the very first Aspire Talent Squad on the Gold Coast and employ Olympian Aaron Royle as a dedicated coach to work with these athletes,” she said.
“The aim of the program is to develop the skills and attributes required for success in triathlon and progress athletes through the AusTriathlon high performance pathway towards podium performances at Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
Olympic triathlete Aaron Royle said South East Queensland’s climate and sporting culture made it an ideal environment to develop future triathlon champions.
“The Gold Coast is a breeding ground for triathlon talent. We have fantastic conditions year-round and a strong endurance sport culture that gives young athletes every opportunity to succeed,” he said.
“What’s exciting is the variety of backgrounds these athletes bring. Some have come from swimming, some from surf lifesaving and others from triathlon – though not in a dedicated pathway. Those sports complement each other and provide a strong foundation for long-term development.”
One athlete already making the transition is 15-year-old Elke Rayward, who grew up in surf lifesaving before attending a YouFor2032 Talent Search testing event.
“My mum told me about a YouFor2032 testing day, so I went along and completed the time-trial testing before being selected into the Aspire Talent Squad,” she said.
“I’ve been able to use my surf lifesaving and swimming background while learning new skills on the bike. Being coached by an Olympian is amazing because it shows us what is possible and what it takes to reach the elite level.
“My goal is to represent Australia in 2032. The Gold Coast is an incredible place to train and develop in this sport.”
The Queensland Academy of Sport’s YouFor2032 Talent Team will return to the Gold Coast for face-to-face testing events on 25 July, 26 July and 5 August.
Aspiring athletes can register and learn more by downloading the YouFor2032 app, driven by RACQ.
