My name is Zane Paterson, I am a 21-year-old high jumper from Brisbane, QLD and I’ve just been selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Oceania Cup in Tonga.

This will be my first time competing in the green and gold, and representing my country in my returning year from injury means the world to me. This will be an amazing opportunity to gain international experience and prepare me well for my ultimate goal of competing at the Olympic Games.

However, with these incredible opportunities, there comes significant costs. This trip is 100% self funded and I am aiming to raise $3500 to help cover accomodation, airfares, team uniforms, and team levies.

Every donation, small or large, helps and would mean the world to me. It will ease the stress and will go directly towards helping me get to Tonga in peak form.

My Story

I started athletics at a very young age, the same way most do, Little Athletics back in Adelaide. I was very average at most events but fell in love with high jump immediately. The success finally came right after I graduated in 2022 where I placed 2nd at the National Championships in Sydney. Shortly after, the back injury that I thought was small became very severe and landed me in hospital for over a month. After over 2 years oh rehabilitation I had my first jump in June last year proving many doctors wrong that I wouldn’t compete again. Which leads me to the 2024/25 season. I train full time in Brisbane under my coach Theresa Stolberg with an amazing squad of high jumpers. Some notable results include:

• 1st - Opens High Jump at QLD State Titles: 2.15m
• Invited to compete in New Zealand where I placed 2nd to the current Olympic champion - Hamish Kerr
• Placed 2nd at the Inaugural Australian Short Track Champs
• Competed at my first Continental Tour Gold meet at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne
• Ranked 4th in Australia this year for Open Men’s HJ

I balance full-time study (Sport & Exercise Science), coaching athletes at local schools and clubs, and training like a full-time athlete, all fuelled by my passion for performance and a dream to become both an Olympian and elite Strength & Conditioning coach.

I genuinely appreciate any support you can give, whether it’s a donation, a share, or just cheering me on from afar.

Every dollar brings me one step closer to making this dream a reality and showing what’s possible after injury and hard work. 

Thank you,

Zane Paterson