Pathway boost for junior talent

Australia’s next generation of talent are set to rocket out of the blocks in 2023 and beyond, with a new Pathway Transitions Program launched today by Athletics Australia.

Designed with future Australian representatives in mind, the Pathway Transition Program will support junior athletes and their coaches as they work their way up the ranks to their first senior teams.

With the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games and Brisbane 2032 around the corner, Athletics Australia Pathways Transition Lead & State Performance Advisor Adam Didyk says the time is right for such a program to support the country’s burgeoning talent.

“This program will aim to bridge the gap for younger athletes as they aim to transition from the under-20 to the senior ranks, and introduce them to the performance support and planning processes that can make a huge difference at a younger age. On top of this, we hope it will help further educate and inspire athletes and help them understand the behaviours required to be an elite athlete,” Didyk said

Athletics Australia will initially select up to 20 aspiring athletes for the pilot program in April, with the target group being athletes who are demonstrating long-term potential to make finals and win medals at the World Championships, Olympics, and Paralympic Games, but who aren’t currently on Athletics Australia’s National Athlete Support Structure (NASS).

“For these athletes to be as successful as they possibly can be, it’s great to get them learning about high performance support now, supporting them on their transition to future elite performers,” Didyk said.

Supporting the program will be a dedicated Performance Advisor, as well as its own sports science and sports medicine team, including a biomechanist, dietitian, and performance psychologist.

Plans are in place for selected athletes to attend a camp in December, to introduce them to what’s on offer and to further their preparations for the 2023/2024 Australian Summer of Athletics.

For more information about the Pathways Transition Program or to register your interest, please reach out to Adam Didyk via adam.didyk@athletics.org.au

An Information Webinar will be held at 8pm AEDT on March 2nd. More information can be found here. 

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 9/2/2022