10 Australian sprinters have received a $5000 boost as recipients of the Neville Sillitoe Foundation Scholarship through The Athletics International Trust; a commitment to guiding emerging talents to their athletic, educational and working life potential.
Honouring the legacy of one of Australia’s most celebrated athletics coaches who coached Peter Norman and developed some of the nation’s greatest sprinters, the Neville Sillitoe Scholarship reflects many of his values.
The maximum allocation of 10 scholarships in 2026 is recognition of Australia’s rising sprinting crop, who must also be studying or working to be eligible, and not receiving significant funding from Australian Athletics or personal sponsors.
21-year-old Olivia Inkster is doing exactly that in her transition to the senior ranks, with the $5000 scholarship assisting her to build on her career as a two-time World Under 20 Championships representative and World University Games 4x100m champion.
Also studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Technology Sydney, Inkster is joined by the likes of Lakara Stallan, Monique Hanlon, Joesph Ayoade and Jai Gordon in the scholarship’s second year.
“I’m incredibly grateful! The support will help to eases the costs of training, equipment, travel, and competition, allowing me to focus fully on improving my performance and competing at a higher level,” Inkster said.
“Academically, the scholarship provides greater stability and focus, reducing financial pressure so I can dedicate more time to my studies and continue building the skills I need for my future career.”
Acknowledging the contribution in the wider community as one of 10 recipients, five of which are competing at this weekend’s World Athletics Relays, Inkster said the scholarship holds more weight than just the financial backing.
“I’m honoured to be connected with a community that carries forward Neville Sillitoe’s legacy. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity, giving back where I can, and representing the values of the scholarship in everything I do,” Inkster said.
Australian Athletics Life Governor and Family Relations Manager, Brian Roe said that the already expanding scholarship program together with the prizes for the placegetters in sprint events at the Under 20 Nationals were the perfect tribute to the late Neville Sillitoe.
“The trustees and fund managers of Neville’s bequest are to be acknowledged for their thoughtfulness in providing support to Australia’s emerging sprint talent in ways in which Nev would have intended and would have been proud,” Roe said.
‘In just the second year it’s quite remarkable how many young sprinters have been able to be supported – and fittingly at a time when our stocks are blossoming.”
More information about the Neville Sillitoe Foundation Scholarship can be found HERE.
Joseph Ayoade (NSW)
Alice Dixon (NSW)
Rory Easton (QLD)
Jai Gordon (QLD)
Olivia Hastings (SA)
Monique Hanlon (QLD)
Olivia Inkster (NSW)
Nyajima Jock (VIC)
Archer McHugh (VIC)
Lakara Stallan (NSW)
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Australian Athletics
Posted 29/4/2026
