James Takken was selected last week to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bahamas this July.
Learn more about him…
NAME: James Taken
STATE: ACT
SPORT: Beach Volleyball
In just four years James Takken’s career in volleyball has advanced significantly.
During that time, the now 16-year-old made several trips to Southeast Asia, competing in different development tours for the indoor volleyball program.
Last year Takken joined the Australian men’s indoor team at the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup in Thailand, an opportunity he said he relished.
“My experience at the Asian Volleyball Cup in 2016 was extremely instrumental in my development as a player,” he said.
“The standard of volleyball really opened my eyes to the abilities of older, more experienced players and set a bench mark for me to compare myself to and hopefully compete with.”
Takken credits his speedy success in the sport to the coaches who got him started and his parents who backed him.
“In my early development as a volleyball player I was lucky enough to have coaches who made the game extremely enjoyable,” he said.
“The several high-performance coaches at the QAS and AIS really supplied me with the training necessary to become the player I am today.
“Not to mention the continued support of Mum and Dad.”
Takken will be joined in the Bahamas by volleyball partner Mark Nicolaidis and looks forward to the challenge.
“I am ecstatic to be given the opportunity to represent Australia in the Bahamas,” he said.
“Some of the best beach volleyball teams, in my age group will be there.
“Also keen to compete and hopefully get Australia on the podium.”