Athletes join SWAS stable

The South West Academy of Sport has opened the doors of its individual athlete support program to another crop of up-and-coming sports men and women from around the region.

A total of 11 new talents in disciplines ranging from athletics to swimming were officially welcomed into the prestigious program at a function in the South West Sports Centre in Bunbury on Friday night.

Along with the 11 athletes returning to the program, the newcomers will get help to reach their potential and build long and rewarding careers in sport.

SWAS chief executive officer Bernice Butlion said she looked forward to seeing both new and returning participants develop as athletes and citizens in the months ahead.

“This year we received a record number of applications for a place in the program and the standard of applicants was very high, making it a very competitive process,” she said.

“We are pleased with the calibre of athletes we have accepted into the program – some of whom are in sports that have not before been represented in SWAS.

“These athletes are already performing at State, national and international levels and we are excited be part of their journey.

“We will be supporting them to make sure they get the most out of this opportunity through access to specialist sport services such as coaching, nutrition and physiotherapy.”

Designed to nurture talented individuals, the program is open to South West teenagers excelling in sports not covered by the academy’s Australian Rules football, cricket, hockey, netball and tennis programs.

SWAS athletes

New individual athletes: Zac Jones (athletics), Alana Gianotti (athletics), Berto Muller (athletics), Connor-Reef Butlion (golf), Jayden Dalton (yachting), Rebecca Griffin (surf life saving), Jessie Willsher (surf life saving), Lauren Smaniotto (surf life saving), Bailee Hastie (surfing), Benjamin Harvey (taekwondo) and Tahlia Jensen (swimming).

Returning individual athletes: Jacob Willcox (surfing), Connor Lambert (cycling), Brooke Rogers (athletics), Imogen Keall (athletics), Billie Knell (canoe and kayak slalom), Rachelle Smith (BMX), Megan Shine (athletics), Kyle Mastrangelo (athletics), Bryce Lanigan (cycling), Matthew Schwier (surf life saving) and Eliza Green (surfing).

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