Brisbane, Australia; December 4, 2024 – The next generation of Australian athletics talent led by World Under 20 Championships medallists Gout Gout, Izobelle Louison-Roe, Mason McGroder and Paralympic sensation Telaya Blacksmith will light up Brisbane this weekend for the 2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Athletics Championships – on a path to return to the Olympic and Paralympic city of 2032.
Set to be hosted at the Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre from December 6-8, the event has attracted over 1300 athletes from all eight States and Territories, with the stars of tomorrow ready to make their mark today.
Fresh off blazing his way to global silver over 200m at the 2024 World Athletics Under 20 Championships, 16-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout (QLD) is ready to ignite his home track in the 100m and 200m events, having clocked an Australian Under 20 record of 20.29 over 200m earlier this month.
“It’s great to have the All Schools Nationals at home in Brisbane! Conditions were great for the Queensland All Schools a few weeks ago and we’re all hoping for the same. We’ve got a great Queensland team and we’ll all be ready to go,” Gout said.
“QSAC has a special place in my heart because of all the unforgettable memories I’ve made there. Cheering for my team and celebrating victories with friends makes it more than just a venue; it’s a part of my story for sure.”
Gout will reunite with fellow World Under 20 silver medallist Izobelle Louison-Roe (NSW) who soared over 1.89m in the high jump, with the versatile talent set to contest her pet event alongside the triple jump, long jump and 100m hurdles in an action-packed schedule.
Australia’s youngest team member at the World Under 20 Championships Mason McGroder (NSW) also landed on the dais with bronze in the long jump when leaping to 7.80m at just 15-years-old, with the young gun now turning his attention to Brisbane alongside Telaya Blacksmith (NSW) who will lead the charge in the Para ranks.
Blacksmith flourished on the Paralympic stage with a series of Australian Under 20 records in the 400m T20 and Long Jump T20, with Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner declaring Brisbane was proud to host the 2024 edition of the Championships.
“As Australia’s lifestyle capital and home of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it makes sense that we would host this fantastic national athletics event,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The competition will celebrate the incredible talent, passion, and determination of our next generation of athletes while providing a significant boost to Brisbane’s economy and supporting local jobs.
“Over the four-day event, we’re expecting more than 5,000 attendees who will not only enjoy the thrilling competition but also explore Brisbane’s vibrant lifestyle precincts and unique tourism experiences.”
The pinnacle event for school-aged track and field athletes has previously unearthed Olympic champions including Catherine Freeman, Sally Pearson and Nina Kennedy, and has become renowned for seeing emerging stars deliver and new prospects surfaceThe 2024 edition of the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships is supported by Chemist Warehouse and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland as well as Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
