Kalabara - issue 1

Student Profile - Amaya Shaw 2024 National Cross Country Mountain Bike Series U/17s Women Champion

What advice would you give to aspiring mountain bikers who aspire to compete at a national level? The best advice I can give is, just give it a go! Start with local races, ride as much as you can, and don’t let yourself get worried about not succeeding the first time. You can’t always have a race that goes all your way. In this sport there are so many factors that effect your results. You just have to be willing to give it a go, and ride to your own capabilities. Looking ahead, what are your future goals in the sport, and how do you plan to continue your success as a mountain bike cross country athlete? It is a very exciting time for my age group with the Brisbane Olympics on my goal list! My age group (17’s) and the 15’s Men and Women, are the targeted age group for the Olympics so there are always Australian selectors watching your progress at every race. I will complete in the new NSW State Series, the NSW, QLD and ACT State Championships all stating towards the end of the year, and of course keep my National Series Championship for hopefully a second year in a row in 2025!

Outside of training and racing, how do you balance your athletic career with other aspects of your life? A I am fortunate to be part of the Gifted and High Potential Athlete Program at Bishop Tyrrell. This really helps support playing, training and racing in two sports at an Elite level. I have a Teacher mentor to help me manage my school life and sport commitments. All my teachers are understanding of what I am managing as a year 9 student and are always supportive in every area of my schooling. This year I am also playing Football for the Central Coast Mariners Reserve Grade U20’s Squad, so I train 3 early mornings a week on the Central Coast before school. My games are in Sydney or on the Central Coast. The Mariners have been very supportive of my mountain bike racing which is wonderful as well. Lastly, what does being the National Series Mountain Bike Cross Country Champion mean to you personally, and how do you hope to inspire others through your achievement? I’m still getting used to the idea I’m a National Champion, but I do know that I feel so grateful for the opportunities I have been given along the way to being an Australian champion. There is nothing now I won’t give a go. Amazing things can happen when you are doing things you love to do.

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

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