Hailing from cities and towns across every state and territory, the 21 senior students were selected as Olympic Change-Makers by a panel of Olympians from more than 840 entries.

From Melbourne’s Sophie Carne setting up online running and fitness clubs to keep her school fit and connected throughout lockdown, to Luke Bald establishing gender- and ability-inclusive sporting programs for his school in regional South Australia, these young leaders are inspiring their communities through sport.

The 21 recipients will participate in a virtual national summit, joining Olympians across three sessions on 26 and 30 November and 4 December to show their leadership on an Olympic-sized question – how the country can maximise the community opportunities of an Olympic Games in Queensland in 2032.

Hosted by Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson OAM, the Change-Makers will work with Olympians Steve Solomon, Greta Small, Koti Ngawati, Jake Whetton, Steph Moorhouse and Ashleigh Brennan, to provide a vital youth voice and recommendations on how to maximise the 2032 Olympic opportunity, looking at sustainability, equality, diversity, regional impact and community spirit. 

The Change-Makers will present their findings to AOC CEO Matt Carroll, Olympic champion and AOC Athletes’ Commission member Cate Campbell on 4 December.

Mr Carroll said the 21 Change-Makers demonstrated how young people can lead the way in creating a better world through sport.

“Congratulations to the 2020 Australian Olympic Change-Makers,” Mr Carroll said. “They have demonstrated the excellent contribution young people can make in their community and the positive change that can be achieved through sport.”

“I’m excited at the opportunity for these students to work with Olympians and hear their voice on the potential for a 2032 Olympic bid. Over the next decade these Change-Makers will be the planners, medical staff, engineers, builders, entrepreneurs, volunteers and community leaders that will be the heart of any Olympic program.”

“Thank you to the Royal Australian Mint for your ongoing support of the Australian Olympic Team and in particular supporting young people inspiring their communities with the Olympic spirit.”

Year 11 Queenslander Ariella Titman used her passion for mountain biking to build a school community that empowered her fellow Moreton Bay College students to try a new sport in a supportive and inclusive environment.

From being the only mountain biker at her school, Ariella has built a thriving club from year 4-11 students, holding come and try days, promoting it through assemblies and providing support for younger students to step outside their comfort zone. 

“I’m so excited to be named an Australian Olympic Change-Maker,” Ariella said. “When I started mountain-biking I was the only girl doing it at our school, I didn’t realise it was an opportunity to grow and build our own community.”

“It’s so rewarding seeing the younger girls go from just starting out to really enjoying themselves as part of this club.”

While the club has resulted in fantastic results on the bike, with Moreton Bay College crowned National Schools Champions the past two years, Ariella is proud of the impact it has on students away from the course.

“Being able to try something new that might be scary, and learn in a supportive environment, has helped make a lot of the girls more confident in themselves and comfortable trying new things.

“I think the skills we’re all learning right now are so valuable – learning new skills, building trust with each other as we share this experience, will help us no matter what path we go down.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from the Olympians and the other Change-Makers through this program, to find out how they’re achieving in their community to try to apply that here at home.”

Dual Olympic alpine skier Greta Small is one of six Olympians who will work with the Change-Makers across the national summit.

“I’m thrilled to be able to celebrate the achievements and work closely with the 2020 Change-Makers at the national summit,” Small said.

“Sport can play such a vital role in promoting equality, inclusion, wellbeing and advocating for healthy lifestyles. 

“It’s so important to listen to young people like these Change-Makers to not only provide a platform for them to learn and grow, but to give them a platform and voice to bring their ideas to the forefront. I’m excited to see the ideas and plans that will come from these young leaders throughout the summit.”

The Royal Australian Mint’s CEO, Ross MacDiarmid, said that the Mint is proud to support Australia’s gifted young people.

“Our long standing tradition of marking and celebrating Australia’s sporting achievements is exemplified through these Change-Makers. Leading up to the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, the Mint is honoured to be able to present these medallions to the 21 extraordinary Change-Makers.” 

2020 Australian Olympic Change-Makers