The Sky’s the Limit for BMX Racer

Written on the 25 September 2023 by The District Reporter

Thirty-nine targeted junior athletes from regional NSW attended the first Pursu32+ ‘NSWIS Ready’ Regional Academy of Sport Program camp at Sydney Olympic Park in early September, where they received insights into the expectations that would accompany them should they progress to an elite sport program or an athlete scholarship with NSW Institute of Sport.

The athletes, aged between 12-18, were nominated by either their Sport and/or a Regional Academy and were then invited to submit an Expression of Interest to join the pilot program. Selection was based on their potential to progress to elite competition and ultimately the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

However, they needed to display other traits including their resilience, motivation, aptitude, commitment, while even the level of support and encouragement that’s provided to them by their family was a consideration.

Amongst them was South West Sydney Academy of Sport Bounce back Physiotherapy BMX athlete Skylar Murphy, who from all accounts was right at home amongst some of the state’s best up and coming stars.

When reflecting on how the camp has influenced her goals for the future, Murphy said, "When attending this camp, I had no clue what the intentions were, as it’s the first Pursu32 camp they have ran, but it has provided most of the answers to help focus my goals and what I can do to achieve them. It has clarified my path and inspired me to set specific short-term and long-term targets.”

"The camp has played a significant role in my growth as an athlete. It has broadened my knowledge, improved my skills, and provided invaluable insights into the world of elite sports. This growth will undoubtedly contribute to my success in BMX, allowing me to strive for higher achievements and be a more competitive and capable athlete.", said Murphy, in reflecting on how the camp has fueled her growth as an athlete.

Throughout the camp, Murphy and her peers engaged in discussions with seasoned coaches and experienced athletes associated with the NSW Institute of Sport. They gained insights into the physical, mental, and strategic aspects crucial for excelling in their BMX discipline and the sports world at large. Moreover, athletes received valuable advice on nutrition, injury prevention, and recovery methods, all vital components in an athlete's journey to success.

“The camp aimed to provide athletes with a glimpse into the demands and standards they would encounter should they choose to pursue a path towards an elite sports career,” said Academy Sport Services Coordinator Catarina Di-Ramio, who added that, “The program encompassed a range of activities, workshops, and mentorship sessions led by Australian Olympic Diver, Melissa Wu which were all designed to equip the young athletes with the knowledge and motivation needed to succeed at the highest levels of their respective sports.”

Murphy, who already display’s immense promise on the BMX track, made the most of this unique opportunity. "The new skills and techniques I learned and improved included correct stretching and warmup techniques, and my food diet. Understanding the concepts of Low Gi and High Gi foods and how they help me maintain a proper diet that optimises my performance in is definitely something I am going to incorporate into my training regime”, said Murphy.

Skylar's success is not only reflected in her performance, but also in her dedicated approach to physical conditioning throughout her Academy program year, which has included the Bounce Back Physiotherapy-led strength and conditioning program. This dedication has significantly contributed to her development as an athlete and undoubtedly played a role in her success throughout the program year.  

Yet her success has not been without challenges, which Murphy sees as an inevitable part of her growth. "The challenges I faced include having to get up at an early time. This experience gave me a glimpse into the dedication and discipline required to be an Olympic athlete. I pushed through, adjusted my routine, and used this as a learning experience to enhance my overall performance." Said Murphy.

“The Pursu32+ 'NSWIS Ready' Regional Academies of Sport Program camp has left an indelible mark on Murphy and her fellow attendees, inspiring them to strive for excellence and work tirelessly towards their dreams.” Said Di Ramio.

As athletes return to their respective regions armed with newfound knowledge and determination, the BMX world may soon witness the rise of Skylar Murphy as a notable force to be reckoned with, all thanks to her involvement in the Pursu32+ NSWIS initiative, and her commitment to the Academy BMX program.  

Nominations for the 2023-2024 South West Sydney Academy of Sport BMX program, along with a number of the Academy’s junior high-performance program’s are currently open, with trials taking place in late October. Interested athletes should visit www.swsas.org.au for additional information.

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