Our Local Sports Star nominee Tiana hurdles towards glory at 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games
TIANA Death’s gruelling training schedule, which could give professional athletes a run for their money, is reaping rewards at the highest level, with selection for the Australian team for the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.
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TIANA Death’s gruelling training schedule, which could give professional athletes a run for their money, is reaping rewards at the highest level, with selection for the Australian team for the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.
The Kellyville teenager, a member of the Athletics Australia U19 Talented Squad, snatched the 100m hurdle bronze medal at the 2017 nationals to book her spot for the Bahamas championships from July 16-24.
This week’s Local Sports Star nominee is destined for international honours if she maintains her scorching pace, clocking up dozens of hours each week in training under coach Du’aine Ladejo, the former British and European 400m champion.
Not only does she train seven days a week but catches the 6.30am bus to attend Barker College, Hornsby, using the travel time to catch up on her studies.
Tiana’s personal best in 100m is 13.40 seconds and continues to build up strength and speed during her daily workouts on the track and gym.
“I am very excited about being picked for the Commonwealth Youth Games because this is my first international competition,,’ Tiana said.
”My goal is to finish in the first three in Bahamas.
“I just love training and being a part of the training group.”
“I don’t mind doing it seven days a week because I go to bed early and rise early..
“After my training at school, my parents usually pick me after college and training around 7pm.
“I have been training with Du’aine for the past year and he is my mentor who has helped improve my fitness and technique.”
Tiana, who turns 17 in August, was the nation’s top ranked hurdler in the under-17 category in 2016, coming back from a stress fracture injury which sidelined her two years ago.
Tiana is so determined in improving herself that she regularly hits the gym at the school at 6.30am and then trains after school under Ladejo.
“Once the Bahamas games are over, I want to concentrate on making the IAAF World U20 Championships in Finland next year,” Tiana said.
The way she is going, that goal is within reach.
The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
■ The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.
■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.
■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.
■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
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