Two gold medal performances in triathlon at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games see rising star Aspen Anderson named the October Emerging Athlete of the Month.
Claiming the gold medal in both the Women’s Individual Super Sprint Distance and the Mixed Team Relay Super Sprint Distance, alongside teammate Jack Latham, Anderson is a force to be reckoned with on the course.
It’s her determination and focus that are evident in both training and competition, setting Anderson up in good stead for success at the Games, which were held this past August.
“It’s an honour to be selected, and I am extremely humbled that all the hard work is not going unnoticed,” Anderson said.
“Being able to represent Australia at two different international championship events in 2023 at the age of 16 are what I am most proud of, and to top it off with an international individual gold medal and team gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games is something I will cherish.”
The Games themselves provided Anderson with an ‘experience like no other’, allowing her and her teammates to travel to a different locale, giving many their first taste of being part of a multi-sport team competing at an international event.
“Being on the other side of the world was memorable and to say that sport gave me this opportunity is incredible.
The Games themselves were amazing; being in a village with all the other Commonwealth nations, it was super exciting to see all the different countries and meet so many new friends.
The racing itself was a great experience and to leave with two gold medals from my two events was unbelievable.”
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Acknowledging that her success is made all the more possible by the support of her team, Anderson is quick to thank her parents and coaches for helping her to ‘thrive both in training and in everyday life.’
“I am so lucky to have built a solid team around me that keep me well-grounded and ensures longevity in sport.”
With her recent successes fuelling her on, Anderson has her sights firmly set on major international competitions next year, with an eye to both athletics and triathlon.
“Next year I am working towards some big goals… there are three Junior Worlds Championships that I wish to qualify for: Triathlon, Cross Country, as well as Track and Field.
I feel like Trinbago really opened my eyes to the rich opportunities sport has to offer and I am grabbing that with two hands.”
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.
