Queensland’s sprint star Riley Day is set to fast track her career after being selected to join the 2018 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
The 17-year-old from Beaudesert had a break-out year.
Flag Bearer at the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in July, Day bagged herself two gold and a silver, ultimately earning her a position on the senior team at the IAAF World Championships in London.
Recognised by Sport Australia Hall of Fame program as the country’s brightest young star in athletics, Day will receive funding and mentor support from ex-Olympian water polo player Debbie Watson OAM.
“To be chosen out of all of the very deserving applicants is an absolute honour,” Day said.
“I am very grateful to receive this scholarship and will embrace every opportunity so that it enables me to further my career”.
Watson, who was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2006, captained the Australian women’s water polo team from 1991-96 and came out of retirement to help the team win gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“Riley is an incredible talent and I am honoured to be paired with her as a mentor,” Watson said.
“At such a young age she has already competed at a world championships and has a wonderful future ahead of her.
