Paralympic Talent Search | Walsh Encourages Next Generation

Sarah Walsh had Paralympic aspirations before she knew what sport she could excel in, if any. It comes as no surprise that the Paralympic long jumper is an advocate for Future Green and Gold and the Paralympic Talent Search, aimed at unearthing the next generation of stars ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Watching the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games from home at the age of 10, Walsh was inspired by what she saw. Attending a Paralympics Australia ‘come and try’ day which doubled as talent identification, her athletics journey was underway.

“I didn’t really know what it was going to be like or what it was going to be about. I remember doing a beep test, getting on the exercise bike, doing measurements on my wingspan and height – all to see where my skillsets were,” Walsh said.

“I didn’t think that what followed would have been possible. All I wanted to do was make a Paralympics and now I have the opportunity to be on TV and support the next generation of little Sarah’s and Australian Paralympians.”

A partnership between the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Institute Network, national sporting organisations and Paralympics Australia – Future Green and Gold aims to be the nation’s greatest ever talent search.

With the Paralympic Talent Search taking place for those aged over 13 who have or believe they may be eligible for Paralympic sport; applications will be reviewed before athletes try out a series of activities and Para sports.

“My markers were towards the athletics route more than most other sports, but at the time I hadn’t been involved in any sort of athletics,” Walsh said.

“When I found athletics, I loved it! I progressed slowly but I realised quickly that I had some potential. Narrowing that down to long jump, it was the event that I loved the most and the most competitive at against the rest of the world when I got to 15 or 16.”

A three-time Paralympian at the age of 26, Walsh has enjoyed the sport in its fullest including World Para Athletics Championships bronze in 2019, now a leader on Australian teams as she paves the way for the next generation.

“Every time you step out onto the track, as much as you are doing it for yourself, your team and your family, there is a little bit of hope that there is someone watching on the couch seeing that they can go to the Paralympics too,” Walsh said.

“Athletics has always been a big community and family. I met people like Kurt Fearnley, Scott Reardon and Vanessa Low when I was just starting out. To have then gone on to be on teams with them is a really special connection.”

Crediting athletics for bringing together “all walks of life” for an active, healthy and fun pursuit, Walsh says that while the nation awaits its next Paralympic heroes – the community will always be a place for athletes of all abilities:

“Sport has a special place for everyone. You don’t have to have the need or want to represent Australia because there are so many benefits outside of the competitive side. It gives you the opportunity to meet new people, especially in the Para space to meet people who might be like you.”

Click HERE for more information about Future Green and Gold, and the Paralympic Talent Search – including how to register your interest. 

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted 8/11/2024