At just 15 years old, Sofia Payne has already begun her journey into Australia’s high-performance sporting pathway.

Following her recent breakthrough performance at GP2 in Penrith, where she achieved personal bests in her heats and semi-final before winning gold in the U16 female K1 500m final, Sofia was offered a Training Agreement position with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS).

This opportunity allows Sofia to train daily within one of Australia’s leading high-performance environments, working alongside elite athletes, coaches and physiotherapists as she develops toward national and international competition.

Upcoming events include Australian National Titles in Perth, with potential selection opportunities to represent Australia at the Asia Pacifics in New Zealand and World Cup races in Canada later this year.

Sprint kayaking is an Olympic sport requiring significant commitment, discipline and investment in equipment, training and travel.

Unlike fully funded scholarship athletes, Training Agreement athletes must personally fund much of their journey while working toward national benchmark times.

Support through the Australian Sports Foundation helps cover the costs of:

• race travel and accommodation

• national and international regatta entry fees

• high-performance equipment such as kayaks and paddles

• training and competition preparation.

Sofia is passionate about representing Queensland and hopes to one day wear the green and gold for Australia.

Every contribution helps make this journey possible.

For example:

• $50 goes toward training and recovery costs

• $100 contributes to race entry fees

• $250 helps support travel to national competitions

• $500 assists with gear

• $2000+ assists with high-performance equipment and international racing opportunities

All donations are tax deductible and directly support Sofia’s development within the Australian high-performance sport system.

JOIN THE TEAM: Supporters will receive updates on Sofia’s progress, races and milestones as she continues her journey through the Australian high-performance pathway.