A local student is fundraising to achieve his dream of representing the Mitchell Shire when he competes across America and Canada in track and field events later this year.
Long jump, triple jump, shotput, and high jump are four events that inspire Sam McGhie to great heights, and lengths.
Sam said he had an active childhood which involved falling out of trees, throwing pinecones as dodgeballs, and other adventures, and he gives credit to his parents for his determination.
“My parents were active and always influenced me to be active when I was younger—from Little Athletics, to football, and swimming, to martial arts, they always pushed me to do well,” he said.
Never one to shy away from competition, Sam relished school sports days and even qualified to represent Tallarook and Puckapunyal Primary Schools in the School Sport Victoria carnival held at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park.
During COVID-19 lockdowns Sam exercised in his family’s home gym and developed an interest in calisthenics and later joined Birralee Gymnastics in Wallan as a member, and two years later as a coach.
In his final year of VCE at Broadford Secondary College, Sam is a School Captain and employed as a lifeguard with Mitchell Shire Council Leisure Services. A career aspiration is to be a personal trainer or physiotherapist.
“I am most excited about The Jack Brow Memorial meet in Kelowna, [Canada],” he said.
“They hold the first competitions I will be competing in. This is also the first time I will have access to sport specific coaching, which is something I am stoked about.”
The cost of the entire excursion is $10,000, and Sam has created a gofundme page to help cover the costs. Already Sam’s Athletics Trip fund is approaching $2,000 with family members mostly raising the bar.
To donate, please click on the QR code.
