Woodcroft athlete Brayden Davidson off to International Paralympic Committee World Championships
WOODCROFT'S Brayden Davidson is heading to his first senior world titles less than two years after taking up long jump.
WOODCROFT'S Brayden Davidson is heading to his first senior world titles less than two years after taking up long jump.
The 15-year-old, who has mild cerebral palsy, has been selected to compete in the T36 classification in long jump at the International Paralympic Committee World Championships, in Lyon, France, from July 19.
His rise to the elite level only began in September 2011 when he attended an Australian Paralympic Committee talent search day at Santos Stadium.
"I went out there to have a bit of fun on the day, muck around ... but a few people started making comments about being really good," Brayden said.
"I then went to a qualifying night and I made qualifying for four events so I was off to nationals without (having) trained at all.
"Everything's gone so quickly - it's gone bang, bang, bang. I was blown away that I was on the (world titles) team."
Brayden, a member of Hills Districts Athletics Club, won four gold medals at last year's junior national championships.
He took out the 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump.
"Even then I thought 'I'm only 15, I may get there (to the senior world titles) but I wasn't optimistic," he said.
"I was more saying 'Rio 2016, I'll be 18, 19 with experience up my sleeve and then I'll be able to do it'."
Brayden, who holds a Show of Hearts Scholarship through Variety SA, watched last year's London Paralympics most nights while on a development camp.
He says it would be a dream come true to compete at the Rio Games.
Variety SA scholarship applications are open for 2014. For more information, visit variety.org.au