The oldest operating athletics club in the region is excited for an enormous opportunity for its youngest athletes as talent scouts will soon be heading to Mackay and surrounds to identify potential future Olympians.
Mackay North Athletics have been eagerly following developments of the 2032 Brisbane-Queensland Olympics, as announcements of Queensland Academy of Sport scouts will be looking for athletes who have the natural athletic ability, determination, and willpower to compete in the Games.
The club has become a cornerstone of junior athletic pathways for the region since its inception in 1984, and if it were to find itself, post-2032, with a resident Olympian, it would be an exceptional achievement for a grassroots club like itself.
The Queensland Academy of Sport is calling the program the ‘YouFor2032.’
“The ‘Youfor32 program’ is Australia’s largest athlete talent ID program, identifying future Olympian and Paralympians,” Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for our local young sportspeople.”
For prospective juniors, the first phase of testing will measure their basic physical, physiological and cognitive capabilities including speed, power, agility, endurance and spatial awareness.
Those exceptional junior athletes from the club’s current crop – like recent North Mackay Athletics “Hurdling Superstar” Hayley, who headed to the Queensland State Championships and ending with an impressive time of 13.43 seconds – are likely members of the club to stand out to the scouts.
For younger athletes, it may be that they fall under the second phase.
Once scouted, the second phase takes them on a more sport-specific route, aiming to match athlete profiles to specific sports based on their previous testing.
Queensland Academy of Sports scouts will then select around 20,000 potential stars for talent testing.
Eligibility is for those aged 13 to 23 (born between 1999 to 2009) for Olympic sports and 13 to 30 (born between 1992 and 2009 inclusive) for Paralympic sports.
North Mackay Athletics will be keeping tabs on little stars, or even older members that should apply when the applications open on 12 April 2022.
It is expected that the potential future Olympians first testing sessions in North and Central Queensland will start in either June or July, with more details to come.
Not only are Mackay athletes in the spotlight, but its coaches are also potential picks, as QAS will be seeking to scout exceptional coaches in every region across Queensland.
North Mackay Athletics have been in full swing with the beginning of its season, and it’s no surprise that some of its young athletes have found a goal in the form of Olympic representation.
The club, despite the hot and humid conditions during this past two week’s heat wave, have stuck to a training regimen for its tiny tots.
Its come and try day held in late February was a great success, with plenty of new faces along for a run, jump and throw, along with existing members out in force ahead of the season start.
Their first two club days afterwards were roaring successes, and the club will be hosting its next Club Day this weekend at Pioneer.
Mackay athletes are also looking forward to the 2022 Oceania Athletics in June at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex as part of the exciting year for Mackay’s athletes.
Athletes will compete in sports including hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, javelin and more.
It is expected to generate 11,725 bed nights and result in a $2.5 million dollar stimulus to the region.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert greeted athletes with some exceptional news in early March
North Mackay Athletics has had a busy February and March
Hayley is just one of North Mackay Athletics’ up and coming stars
