Jackson Love’s remarkable achievements on the track throughout 2023 has seen his star power grow and earned him the prestigious November Emerging Athlete of the Month award.

A member of the 75-strong Australian team that recently competed at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, Love secured gold in the Men’s Long Jump T38 gold, as well as bronze in the Men’s 100m T38.

Upon receiving the news of his emerging athlete nomination, Love was quick to note that he was ‘incredibly proud to be nominated as CGA’s Emerging Athlete of the Month.’

“The Trinbago Games were a fantastic experience; being my first international event representing Australia was special and putting on the green and gold and standing on the start line with athletes across the Commonwealth seemed surreal.”

With para-athletics being included in the Commonwealth Youth Games for the first time, Love was able to solidify his position as one of Australia’s up-and-coming athletics stars to watch, returning home with numerous personal bests, as well as breaking records in the process.

“I was lucky enough to compete in the inaugural para-athletics events at these Games because we were all one team.

It’s the first time I’ve got to meet and interact with able-bodied team members and meet long-term friends from Australia and worldwide.

Attending these Trinbago games and running a personal best in both the heat and final of my 100m and jumping PBs for all five long jumps.

These PBs also broke the Australian and Oceania Open Men’s 100m records, and Australian U20 long jump record.”

With these recent successes under his belt, it’s only fitting that Love’s focus now turns to other major international events, while keen goals outside of sport also drive his attentions.

“My goals for sport are running a qualifying time for the Paralympics in Paris for 100m and 200m.

Outside of sport, I’m focusing on getting through my HSH (High School Certificate). I aim to do Computer Science and Mathematics at UNSW, as my ultimate career goal is to work within AI (Artificial Intelligence).”

And as many athletes have attested, Love recognises that alongside his own dedication and drive, his support system ensures all of this is made possible.

“I’d like to thank my parents for all their support and for getting me to all my training and competitions.

Sprints coach Rob Marks and Jumps coach Leanne Pejkovic, strength coaches John and Ed Gellert, physiotherapist Sam Pinnington and chiropractor Dave Stevens.

Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) has a focus on supporting emerging talent and celebrating the next generation of Australian sport stars.

Over the course of 2023, an athlete will be recognised each month as the Commonwealth Games Australia emerging athlete of the month and will receive a $500 gift certificate as a contribution towards their training expenses.

Three finalists from the monthly winners will be invited to the 2024 Commonwealth Games Australia Presidents Function where one will be named the Commonwealth Games Australia Emerging Athlete of the Year.

The annual winner, selected by the Awards Sub Committee will receive a $5000 CGA scholarship toward their sporting career.