Hayley’s hard work pays off on the track

At just 17, Hayley from Glendale is already making her mark in athletics, with a recent standout performance at the NSW Athletics Country Championships in Dubbo showing just how far her dedication has taken her.

Competing across multiple events, Hayley delivered an impressive set of results, finishing first in the 400 metres and 800 metres, second in the 100 metre relay, and third in the 200 metres.

For Hayley and her family, these results reflect years of commitment, discipline and belief, both on and off the track.

Hayley joined the Grow a Star program four months ago after being awarded a scholarship to support her development as a sprinter. The scholarship was requested to help remove practical barriers to training and competition, giving Hayley access to the resources she needs to continue progressing.

So far, Grow a Star has supported Hayley with a gym membership at Hunter Sports Centre and Nike sprinting athletics shoes. With remaining funding still available, the scholarship will continue to support her training and competition pathway.

Hayley’s long term goal is to represent Australia internationally as a sprinter. Over the next 12 months, her focus is on qualifying for national championships and achieving top five finishes at state level.

Her father, Keiron, says Hayley’s recent results reflect the work she puts in every day.

“All the dedication, commitment and hard work she puts in on and off the field is truly shining through,” he says.

Meg from Home in Place says the Grow a Star program is designed to support young people across a range of interests and pursuits.

“The program helps remove some of the financial and logistical barriers, allowing young people to focus on their goals, not what is stopping them,” she says.

She says it is good to see the support translating into real outcomes for Hayley.