Hello, my name is Lucy and I am an 11 year old track and field athlete. I am very excited to be going to Tasmania to compete in the School Sport Australia Track & Field Championships (10 to 12 year olds) from 24-26 November 2023. I will be competing in 3 individual events - High Jump, Long Jump and 200m - plus the 4x100m relay. I am hoping to raise some money to help with the expenses of competing at Nationals.

In the last 2 years my family has joined Corroboree Little Athletics, one of the best centres in Canberra. We have so much fun there every Saturday morning. Last year was the first time I ever got to attempt High Jump. I had no idea how I was going to do it but somehow I did. I ended up coming first in my age group clearing 1.23m using scissors. That's sort of when my athletic journey began.

I know a lot of people have always dreamed of being in the Olympics. But I have never really actually thought about that much. Before I was selected for nationals this year I thought wouldn't it be so cool if I could do that some time in the future. But I never really thought that I would be able to do that this year!

I competed at the ACT 12&U School Championships about two months ago. When I found out I was selected for the ACT team for Nationals I bounced up and down, I was just full of emotions more than I could explain. I knew that God had given me this opportunity and that he would give me everything I needed to make this happen. I could never be more thankful to him for this unreal experience that he's given me.

I thought I would tell you a bit more about myself and my family. I am quite tall and I think that is one reason why I am quite good at athletics. I love hanging out with my friends and family especially when we get to go on camping trips which are always so much fun. I always try my best and give it everything I've got. My friends are so awesome they are always there and ready to help me, especially at school.

From the very beginning of my athletics journey my family have always been the most supportive people I know. I have 2 younger siblings, a sister who is 10 years old and a brother who is about to turn 7. My mum and dad take me to several training sessions every week and even Sunday team training. I love my family so much and I am so grateful for everything they have done for me, especially my siblings who give up some of their free time for my training sessions.

My wonderful supporters include my grandma, she is always trying to help me do the best I can. She was my very first High Jump coach and helped me get the qualifier for Nationals! Also my two amazing athletic coaches Matt and Dylan from Wex Athletics. They are so kind and always want me to do well. I only joined their squad just before I was selected for nationals. I had always wanted to be in an athletics squad and here I am!

Training over the last three months has helped me so much. Since the ACT Champs two months ago my personal bests in each event have really improved.

• High Jump: improved from 1.30m to 1.40m
• Long Jump: improved from 3.87m to 4.39m
• 200 metres: improved from 30.74s to 30.15s
• 100 metres: improved from 15.16s to 14.13s

I have a few goals that I want to achieve at Nationals, firstly having fun and just enjoying the experience. But I want to get PB's as well. For High Jump, I am hoping to equal my PB or even clear 1.45m. In Long Jump I want to reach 4.50m. In the 200 metre sprint I really want to break 30 seconds for the first time.

I am so excited to get on the plane to Tasmania with my dad very soon. Hoping to make many memories and meet some new friends. Thank you everyone for all the support you give me, especially my family.

If you want to follow along with Nationals, see the School Sport Australia website. Live results will be published here.

Just a couple of notes (from my dad):

The Australian Sports Foundation’s (ASF) charter is to raise money for the development of sport in Australia. This individual fundraiser will help Lucy develop her sporting career. All funds will be used for Lucy's travel and competition expenses for the SSA T&F Championships 2023.

Donations to ASF projects are tax-deductible except for relatives of the individual athlete. Please see Information for Relatives and other Associates.