Starc says #HaveAGo for Olympic Day

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athletes are encouraging people across the state, from all ages and cultures to participate in sport and #HaveAGo as part of the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) Olympic Day celebrations.

Two time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Brandon Starc said, “physical activity is hugely important. It sets up your whole life – being active, whether it be running, rowing, kicking a ball, bowling, whatever that may be.”

“Having a go when there’s no sort of pressure, just having fun, putting yourself out there and meeting new people, meeting new kids, could be friends, could be lifelong friends,” Starc said.

Olympic Day takes place every year on 23 June and is celebrated around the world. It is a chance to celebrate the Olympic spirit by moving, learning and discovering new things at home, in your community, at school and at work.

Starc, who joined Parramatta Little Athletics as a young kid preferred the jumping events from early on.

“My main events were the hurdles, long jump, triple jump, a little bit of high jump. I wasn’t much of a throw, as you can tell, but they were the main events and kind of kept them with me till I was, till I found a coach in Alex (Stewart),”

Despite representing Australia in high jump twice at the Olympic Games and winning a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Starc doesn’t recall being overly successful as a young athlete.

“You know, you don’t always have to be the best at that age. And I guess that’s kind of living proof of me and just kind of working hard and making the right choices to get to where I am.”

This year, on Friday 23 June, the AOC invite all Australians to #HaveAGo at an Olympic sport. To organise a time to try a new sport or rekindle your love for a favourite sport.

“There’s no age limit to #HaveAGo. It’s never too late. Much easier when you’re younger but you can kind of keep that going to your 80. Any physical activity is going to help you in the long run.”

For more information visit https://www.olympics.com.au/olympic-day/have-a-go-2023/

Frances Cordaro NSWIS