National talent search hailed huge success

NSW hosted one of the largest para talent events with 32 people attending.

Australia’s greatest talent search wrapped up last weekend and the results speak for themselves.

Thirteen hundred participants came out in force, each one eager to earn their stripes.

“I've dreamed about going to the Olympics since I was young. I've loved watching distance runners and now that opportunity could become a reality,” said participant Alton Freeman.

The national Future Green and Gold campaign kicked off in South Australia in early October before winding through each capital city searching for future Olympians and Paralympians.

Australian sporting champions Louise Sauvage (wheelchair racing), Jed Altschwager (Para- rowing), Libby Kosmala (Para-shooting) and Jackie Narracott (skeleton) were among dozens of high profile athletes and coaches who helped spot future stars.

“We put an asterisk next to athletes we’re interested in and then if we’re really interested we put a double asterisk…and there were double asterisks which is a very good sign,” said seven-time Paralympic Wheelchair Coach Andrew Dawes OAM.

Australian wheelchair racing icon Louise Sauvage was among dozens of sporting champions who supported the campaign.

The search targeted Australians aged 13-23 (for Olympic sports) and 13 plus (for Paralympic sports), and for many this was their first exposure to some sports.

“We’ve got some really exciting 13,14,15-year-olds here today who acquired their impairment in the last year and knew nothing about Paralympic sports until today…and hopefully will be on their way to the Paralympic Games,” said Paralympics Australia Senior Performance and Talent Adviser Tim Matthews.

Ivy Walker, who has peripheral vision loss, was among 180 Para participants to show serious potential. The NSW candidate is no stranger to sport, participating in blind cricket, rock climbing, athletics and skiing.

“This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever been to in a really long time. It would be amazing to be able to train at some of the facilities on offer and hopefully one day get to the Paralympics,” shared Walker.

This was the first time the high performance sector joined forces to deliver a talent search. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) partnered with all state institutes, Paralympics Australia and more than 40 major sports including cycling, rugby, Para-canoe and Para-snow.

“This campaign exceeded our expectations and could not have been made possible without collaboration from the entire sports system,” said AIS Performance Pathways Manager Elissa Morley.

“Each state created a memorable experience for participants and we’re really excited to announce the successful candidates in early 2025.”

More than 30 Olympic and Paralympic sessions were hosted across the country.

The next phase will see podium potential participants undertake further trials with a recommended sport before being appointed into a Talent Development Program aimed at fast-tracking them to the elite level.

“To be selected for the green and gold search would mean the world to me. It'd make a big difference in my life,” said participant Josh Jones.

The campaign ran in conjunction with state-based talent searches in Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and South Australia which have been hugely successful over the years.

To register interest for 2025 talent search sessions head to: Future Green and Gold | Australian Sports Commission