Over 100 athletes and coaches contributed to Australian Athletics’ Pathway Transition Program camp at the Australian Institute of Sport this week, where the nation’s emerging talents met world-class facilities and knowledge to bolster their road to the highest level.
The Pathway Transition Program supports athletes who are demonstrating potential to achieve Australian Athletics’ targets at Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games, but who are not yet categorised on Australian Athletics’ National Athlete Support Structure.
Over 60 athletes engaged in the four-day camp which combined a range of physical tests and training opportunities with education sessions from wellbeing to nutrition, with the strategic aim of the program to bridge the gap between successful junior performance and medal-winning performance at senior level.
Olympic and Paralympic mentors were also on standby including Kelsey-Lee Barber, Linden Hall, Michelle Jenneke, Chad Perris, Kristie Edwards and Carly Salmon, who offered their experience and guidance to their younger counterparts across the camp.
Rising sprinter Emilia Reed has already put her name to the Australian Under 16 record over 100m when clocking 11.45-seconds earlier this year, but credited the camp as a step forward in her development.
“It has been really cool, I’ve never done anything like this before! There has been a bit of training and a bit of fun, it’s been a really good mix of everything and no pressure,” Reed said.
“It’s been really good after All Schools Nationals to get here. I felt really good, maybe it’s just the track because it’s really fast and it feels more professional.”
Australian Athletics Pathway Transition Manager, Adam Didyk emphasised the success of the camp and the efforts of support staff, who went above and beyond with highlights including a custom athletics-themed Monopoly board as teams worked through budgeting scenarios.
“The camp was designed to create strong growth and development opportunities for both athletes and coaches, with a particular focus on testing key attributes to build awareness around individual athlete progress and future development needs,” Didyk said.
“There was a great vibe across the group, some very positive connections were made, and it was encouraging to see athletes and coaches engaging so openly. It felt like a really strong environment to help drive the next generation of athletes.”
Physical markers were taken to guide athletes and coaches in their training, including VO2 max, peak velocity, stiffness and fatigue testing, as athletes prepare for the 2026 season which includes the World Athletics Under 20 Championships in Eugene and its selection trial at the 2026 Australian Athletics Championships.
“Athletes will receive their testing data, with support provided to coaches to help interpret and implement the outcomes into individual development plans. The aim is to use the data to guide informed, long-term progression rather than one-off outcomes,” Didyk said.
More information about Australian Athletics’ Pathway Transition Program can be found HERE.
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 18/12/2025
