Sixteen-year-old Marissa Earle is aiming for a medal in the 1000 metres short track speed skating at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) this month.

After refining her skills at an intense training camp held in Brisbane recently Earle is geared up for the big event at the Sydney Ice Arena at Baulkham Hills, from the 18th – 21st of January, where she will race against skaters from China, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and the United States of America.

Earle from Croydon Park in Sydney began her skating career at the age of six playing ice hockey with her brother. After three years she gave up hockey and made the transition to short track so 'she could go faster'.

Her dedication to the sport has paid off and she is now ready to make her debut on the international stage joined by her nine other Australian team-mates for the AYOF.

Throughout Earle’s skating career she enjoyed many highlights which include representing her country on the 2003 Southern Stars team which competed in the Global Cup competition in Germany and a third-placing at this year’s Australian Open Speed Skating Championships in the senior women’s division.

She also has aspirations beyond the AYOF to gain qualification times to compete in future World Cups for Australia.

The AYOF gives 13 -19 year old athletes an Olympic experience in the hope that one day they will make an Olympic Team.

Seven of the short track team members attended last weekend’s sub-elite national camp to prepare for the competition with National and AYOF Coach, Ann Zhang.

“The camp was a good step in preparation for the AYOF and a good opportunity to mix with the other athlete’s who will be team-mates at the Festival,” Earle said.

Spectating at all of the 16 sports on the AYOF program is free. The young talented aspiring Olympic short track skaters are looking forward to a lot of vocal support at the Sydney Ice Arena in Baulkham Hills from 18-21 January.

Emily Rosemond
2006 Olympian