Olympic change-maker Evie Waddington one of 25 students to attend Canberra summit for future sporting leaders

Mt Barker Community College student Evie Waddington wants either to represent Australia in triathlon or be an AFLW footballer, and she has been inspired to pursue her dreams after earning a trip to Canberra for the Olympic Change-Maker Summit. She was nominated by her sport teacher for the summit to which young leaders from across the country were invited to help influence the Olympic movement on the road to the 2032 Brisbane Games. While there, from November 24-26, she took part in workshops and leadership development sessions alongside Olympic athletes including canoeist Noemie Fox and triathlete Emma Jeffcoat plus the Australian Olympic team boss Anna Meares. Waddington, 17, was one of 25 students invited to attend from more than 1000 applications, and she was stunned when she was accepted. “When I first applied for this, I didn’t think I’d really have a chance of getting in, but, you know, it’s just been amazing to be able to communicate with Olympians,” she said. “I’ve been able to see their drive, what they’ve done in the past, like the troubles they’ve gone through; it’s just made me realise how relatable they are, even though they might be very intensely involved in their sport.” The Year 11 student is an all-round sportswoman who plays basketball, volleyball and netball as well as her favourite sports of triathlon and football, where she turns out for Mt Barker Bulls. However, she recognised that she often suffered burnout and said seeing how top athletes managed their lives was inspirational. “It was an amazing opportunity and one of the best life experiences I’ve had,” she said. “I have struggled with burn-out and can be not very good at focusing at school, if I’m exhausted after playing sport. “But just seeing other people with the same drive and the same struggles and how they supported themselves was amazing.” The summit culminated in a visit to Parliament House where students pitched their ideas to members of pParliament and members of the Australian Olympic Committee. All the change-makers received a medal produced by the Royal Australia Mint.