By Eleanor Wilson
Despite only receiving her Australian citizenship a few short years ago, Eighteen-year-old Skye Wallace has wasted no time in her bid to represent the nation.
The Berwick student, who hails from a town near Manchester in England, has been selected to don the green and gold when she competes in the World Duathlon Championships in Romania next month.
The race involves a grueling sequence of a five kilometre run, 22.5 kilometre bike ride and a second two-and-a-half kilometre run.
“The dedication to the 4:15am alarms, tough training weeks, missed parties and forever sweaty and chlorinated hair has started to pay off!,” she shared in a post on her Facebook page.
Mum Ruth Wallace said she was extremely proud of her daughter’s dedication – which sees her train an average of two hours everyday across swimming, running and bike riding disciplines.
“I’m proud, I’m excited..she’s worked very hard for it,” Mrs Wallace said.
“When we moved here she was determined to represent Australia so she’s really proud to achieve that.”
But the triumph doesn’t come without its challenges.
Skye is now faced with the difficult task of financing her trip, including flights, accommodation, race entry, a race kit and training camps – a steep feat for an 18-year-old working part time while balancing training and a physiotherapy degree.
To assist with the heavy costs of making it to Romania for the race, Skye set up a donation page with the Australian Sports Foundation.
The page has amassed over $1500 the short week it has been running, with friends, family and locals offering messages of support for the young sport star.
“We see you every morning on our way to the train station. Rain, hail, shine, dark. Our kids still asleep lol. Well done and best of luck x,” said contributor Noelene Laslowski.
“Go chase your dream. Wishing you all the best Skye,” said another.
Aside from assisting to pay for necessities, Skye said she hopes the donation campaign might attract the attention of potential sponsors, to kick start her professional career as an athlete.
“I definitely want to pursue it professionally, that’s the dream!,” she said.
Mrs Wallace said the army of local support surrounding her daughter comes down to the fact “she’s a great kid.”
“I’m biased, but she’s a really good kid,” Mrs Wallace said.
“I think people see her around a lot, because she is always out exercising and she’ll always smile and say hello.”
Skye will compete in the World Duathlon Championships on 10 June and just nine days later will head to Germany for the European Junior Triathlon Championships.
To donate to her race fund, head to bit.ly/3yE0Ryd
