GoFundMe set up for Gympie teen Sophia Jordan to compete in Canada

A 16-year-old from Gympie has been chosen to represent Australia in prestigious athletics events in Canada, and she needs your help getting there.

“She’s incredibly motivated. Her love for running and her drive to achieve personal bests keep her focused, even during the most intense preparation periods,” Andrew said.

A 16-year-old superstar from Gympie is making big strides on the running track – both literally and figuratively.

A dedicated track and field athlete, Sophia Jordan has been invited to represent Australia in a prestigious international competition in Vancouver, Canada in 2025.

This incredible opportunity not only marks a milestone in her athletic journey, but also highlights the power of perseverance, community support, and chasing dreams.

Sophia’s path to international competition began modestly.

“She used to compete in local school sports days in Brisbane and would qualify for district and regional events without any formal training,” dad Andrew Jordan said.

But it wasn’t until the family relocated to Gympie three years ago that Sophia’s talent truly blossomed.

Sophia Jordan winning a medals at a sports event with her father, Andrew Jordan, supporting her.

Joining the Gympie Running Krew and training under her coach, David, Sophia quickly stood out for her endurance and determination.

Her achievements since then speak volumes, with Sophia earning a silver medal at the Queensland State Titles with a personal best of 4:44.80 in the 1500m, ranked fourth nationally in track and field, and placed 12th at the National Cross Country Championships.

“One of our proudest moments was seeing her finish first among Queensland girls at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Launceston, Tasmania, under gruelling conditions,” Andrew shared.

“Her grit and determination were awe-inspiring.”

Sophia Jordan representing Queensland at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Launceston, Tasmania.

Now, Sophia’s sights are set on Canada where she will compete in events such as the Jack Brow Memorial Meet and Trevor Craven Memorial Meet.

However, the journey comes with its challenges as the family is working to raise $13,000 to cover travel, accommodation, competition fees, and additional expenses.

“The financial aspect has been the biggest hurdle, but Sophia has been balancing her intensive training schedule with school, family life, and even a part-time job to contribute to her expenses,” Andrew said.

Despite these challenges, the Gympie community’s support has been immense as they have rallied behind Sophia’s dream, with neighbours donating 10-cent bottles and cans to local organisations and spreading the word about her GoFundMe campaign.

“The community spirit has been amazing. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to making this dream a reality,” Andrew said.

“The community spirit has been amazing. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to making this dream a reality,” Andrew said.

A typical day for Sophia reflects her dedication.

She trains three times a week with the Gympie Running Krew and once a week with the T Squad in Maroochydore, and somehow finds more time for additional runs alongside her studies.

“She’s incredibly motivated. Her love for running and her drive to achieve personal bests keep her focused, even during the most intense preparation periods,” Andrew said.

Sophia’s aspirations extend beyond this competition, as representing Australia on the international stage brings her one step closer to her ultimate goal: the Olympics.

“She’s incredibly motivated. Her love for running and her drive to achieve personal bests keep her focused, even during the most intense preparation periods,” Andrew said.

“This is more than just a competition; it’s a life-changing experience,” Andrew said.

“We hope it inspires Sophia to pursue her dreams and shows her the rewards of hard work and perseverance.”

For those considering supporting Sophia’s journey, Andrew’s message is clear: “Your generosity empowers a young girl to chase her dreams and inspires others in our community.

“Thank you for being part of Sophia’s story and helping her represent Gympie, Queensland, and Australia on the world stage.”

Sophia’s story is a testament to personal strength, resilience, and chasing a dream, as well as the power of a united community – and this is only just the beginning.

To support Sophia’s dream of representing Australia on the world stage, you can click here to visit the family’s GoFundMe page, ‘Help Sophia Jordan Compete on the International Stage!’.