Seventeen-year-old James Galea has taken home the Athletics North Queensland Junior Official of the Year Award for the third time, with a consistent contribution to officiating in North Queensland events.
James is a field specialist concentrating on throws, officiating events including discus, shot put, javelin, hammer throws and weight throws. His accomplishments dating back from October 2022 to October 2023 were highlighted during the award qualification process.
Recently, James was promoted to Field Chief for the recent championship, which is an amazing feat to accomplish at his age. James’ mother Kym Madden stated, “Being a younger official, and having almost to supervise people who are older than him becomes a bit of a challenge with the respect in age difference at times.
“I am extremely proud as a Mum of a seventeen-year-old boy, that he has been recognised for the work that he does and the contributions he makes to our community.”
James is passionate about the technological advancements that are developing and improving the accuracy in his field, using remote controlled buggies and electronic measurement systems to improve the precision of competition results.
James is on the autism spectrum, allowing him a special ability to ‘see things in black and white’. Kym stated, “Because of that, [it] has enabled him to make quick decisions and to be very clear in his decision making. He knows what the rule is, and he's able to apply that.”
James is looking forward to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, where he is eager to compete as an athlete, however he would be happy to represent as an official as well.
James Galea is awarded the Junior Official of the Year Award for 2023
This is the third time James has won the Athletics North Queensland Award
Photo credit: Mackay Athletics Club
