All eyes on the youth of the Commonwealth with Whyte and Goody
With 2023 marking the Year of Youth across the Commonwealth, and ahead of Commonwealth Day on March 13th, the focus is undeniably on the potential crop of young talent eyeing a future spot at the Commonwealth Games.
Two such athletes Grace Whyte, 17 years, (netball) and Charlize Goody, 16 year olds (Athletics) are on such a path for their respective sports, focusing their goals and aspirations on their sporting dreams while balancing school commitments, family and other hobbies and interests.
“I’m a training partner with the (NSW) Swifts and play for Manly Warringah in the Premier League,” Whyte said.
“Being a part of the Swifts is a privilege; I grew up watching them and have been inspired by the players and the club throughout my netball journey and they have such a strong history and culture that it’s an honor to be a part of it.”
Grace’s sporting ambitions are firmly focused on the future and she is focused on appreciating everything she does on the pitch while cherishing the little moments in her journey that are meaningful and special.
“My most memorable achievement was last year’s Nationals when my team won and I was named Grand Final MVP and Player of the Tournament and was named to the Australia U17 team.”
“It was an incredible feeling to win with my friends and see the hard work and sacrifice pay off and be recognized.”
“My goal for the future would be to earn a position on a Suncorp Super Netball team, play for the Diamonds and compete in the Commonwealth Games – and enjoy every moment.”
Charlize also recognizes the power of the journey she is on and credits her club and coaches for building her both as an athlete and as a person as she looks forward to her sporting career.
“I train at Ipswich & District Athletics Club with Mick Moore (throws) and Mark Sills (sprints),” Goody said, “with my favorite disciplines being discus and javelin.”
“This club means everything to me because it has allowed me to compete and improve at club meetings and also given me a lot of friends in the process.”
Charlize’s sporting ambitions are just as driven as Grace’s, with recent successes at international events only spurring her on.
“My most memorable sporting achievement to date is winning gold at the Mini Pacific Games in Saipan and being proud to sing the national anthem on the podium with my ambition to represent Australia in athletics on a Commonwealth Games or Olympic team .”
As both are currently in 12th grade, they also have several hobbies alongside their chosen sports, with a focus on family and friends, as well as other sports and community programs.
For Grace, this includes speaking at her local netball association awards, with a keen interest in helping other developing netballers achieve their goals, while Charlize regularly speaks at the local ANZAC Day March and Relay for Life on behalf of her school participates.
The Commonwealth has the year 2023 as The Year of Youthwith the 12 months dedicated to celebrating and empowering the 1.5 billion under 30s who live in the Commonwealth.
2023 will also see the resumption of the Commonwealth Youth Gameswith today, March 7th, up to 150 days until the start of the seventh edition of the Games, which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from August 4th to 11th.