Tayte Ryan’s breakout year on the track has earned him numerous podium finishes across the world, as well as the Emerging Athlete of the Month award for September.
Indeed, 2023 has seen Ryan go from strength to strength in his cycling pursuits, earning Australian representation at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games and the 2023 UCI Junior Track World Championships.
The self-proclaimed ‘Ginger Ninja’ swept the sprint events at Trinbago 2023, claiming gold in each of the Men’s Keirin, 1000m Time Trial, and Sprint races, adding to his Junior Men’s Sprint Australian Title from earlier in the year.
“To be recognised by Commonwealth Games Australia as an Emerging Athlete of the Month is incredible; this is a huge honour, and I am very proud to be the Emerging Athlete for September,” Ryan said.
Following his endeavours on the track in Trinidad, the 17-year-old from Adelaide lit up the UCI Junior Track World Championships, claiming gold in the Junior Men’s 1000m Time Trial and silver in the Junior Men’s Sprint.
“It’s every cyclists dream to become world champion, and I am very fortunate in that I was able to cross off that goal at such a young age, and even better to top it off with my success at Trinbago ‘23.
I’ve learnt so much about myself as an athlete during this (Trinbago) trip, adjusting to the village lifestyle, coping with nerves, how I can manage fatigue and recover during racing, and so much more.
Seeing a whole new part of the world was incredible, and I really enjoyed the multi-cultural experiences being at competitions with people from all around the world. This was really my life dream come to reality.”
Tayte Ryan is legit! 🥇🔥
A massive world championship-winning performance from Tayte to win a rainbow jersey in the junior men’s 1000m Time Trial at the 2023 @UCI_Track Junior World Championships 🌈
Cheeky reminder that this kid is a first-year 😎#Cali2023 @MundialJrCali pic.twitter.com/Bp9bv8ploY
— ARA Australian Cycling Team (@AusCyclingTeam) August 28, 2023
With lofty goals driving his focus and determination, Tayte has his sights set on continuing to show the world his capability of matching it with the best.
“Becoming a world champion is my life dream, doing so at such a young age is more than anything I could have wished for leading into this racing block, totally unreal to have done it.”
As if often noted however, it does take a village to ensure that athletes have the chance to follow their dreams and chase their goals, with Ryan thanking those he couldn’t do it without.
“My parents and coach. Mum would always drive me to and from the countless training sessions each week, and I really could not have achieved this goal without her unwavering support.
My Coach has provided me with the skills and training to get me to where I am today, and I’m really excited to see where I can go under his tutelage.”
Ryan has also recently been categorised as an Emerging Athlete for track for 2023/24m with athlete categorisation used to identify, track, and prioritise athletes at each stage of the Performance Pathway, developing a pipeline of athletes to support the national team in consistently winning medals at major international events, including Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and World Championships.
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.
