The past month saw basketballers, surfers, water polo players, swimmers and cyclists all compete in a range of significant competitions. 

IAS Athlete Coach and Program Manager Dane Robinson said the month of January always proves to be a big one for the Academy’s athletes and this year was no different. 

“Welcome to 2019!” Robinson said. “Our athletes certainly haven’t slowed down for the holidays, with competitions galore and training and education sessions recommencing.

“January has had it all – with new uniforms, gym inductions, fitness testing, media skills sessions and admirable athlete achievements.”

The impressive results from Academy athletes have been led by surf lifesavers Holly Holmesby and Zara Sharman.

Competing at the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships, Holmesby took out the under 16 girls overall pointscore, while Sharman finished the event with a gold and a bronze medal.

Tahlia Dole has impressed on the bike, finishing fourth in the under 19 road race at the Australian Championships. She also finished sixth in the under 19 Omnium event on the track in December.

Keiran Woolley continues to take out elite-level men’s skateboarding events, while water polo player Mia Parker has also achieved success. 

Those not competing were also kept busy throughout January, with the triathletes completing a training camp and all Academy athletes undertaking media training. 

“We have commenced our education components with the first topic being Media Skills. New athletes gained an insight into ‘what is media?’ and how the media plays an integral role in the progress of an athlete.

“Our returning athletes continued building their skills and interview techniques - a highlight of the night being the mock interviews they conducted.”