If you live around Gisborne, chances are you’ve seen me. You might have spotted me tracking down a dirt road on a misty Sunday morning or pushing through a long run up toward Mount Macedon. I’ve been running since I was 10 years old with Little Athletics Gisborne, and to be honest, my parents have never been able to get me to sit still.

That relentless energy turned into a deep passion for the track. When I moved into junior competition with Athletics Essendon, I found my true calling in the grit, rhythm, and water jumps of the steeplechase.

All those years of early mornings and thousands of kilometers of hard training culminated in a massive breakthrough earlier this year. On a scorching hot summer day, I ran an 8:51 in the 3000m Steeplechase, a time that placed me in the All-Time Top 5 for Australian U20 athletes. But because that race wasn't an official selection event, I had to back it up. I traveled to the Adelaide Invitational, proved it wasn't a fluke by running sub-9 minutes again, and officially locked in my qualifying time.

That left just one final hurdle: the National Championships. The rule was simple - finish in the top two, or the dream ends. I didn't just want to place; I wanted to win. Crossing that finish line as the Australian U20 National Champion and securing my spot on the Australian team was a moment I will never forget.

My Next Hurdle

Earning the green and gold singlet to represent Australia in Eugene, Oregon this August is a dream come true. However, in junior athletics, the financial reality falls entirely on the athlete and their family. The cost to get me to the starting line is $5,000, which covers my flights, accommodation, team uniform, and levies.

I’ve done the hard work on the track, conquering every barrier placed in front of me. Now, I’m turning to my community, friends, and supporters to help me clear this final financial hurdle.

By contributing to my journey, you aren't just funding a plane ticket, you are investing in my dream of competing against the best in the world and helping me build the momentum I need as I look toward competing on the international circuit.

Thank you so much for backing me. Please note that all donations made through the Australian Sports Foundation are tax-deductible.