QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Telaya Blacksmith has been awarded National Junior Sports Star of the Year. The 16-year-old was recognised at the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Sports Awards last Friday night for her outstanding commitment to AFL and athletics.
The Walpiri woman is originally from Lajamanu in the Northern Territory and currently trains in the U18 Top End Female program. She balances football commitments with athletics where in September, she became the 16th Indigenous Australian Paralympian. Blacksmith competed in the T20 Women’s 400m final and the T20 Women’s Long Jump final.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Blacksmith says this year’s achievement fuels her motivation.
“It means a lot to me. I’ve done a lot of work to get myself her and getting the award encourages me to improve my athletics as well,” she shared.
2025 is expected to be a huge year for the young athlete as she continues her athletics and works towards the 2025 AFLW Draft.
“I’m planning on doing more running, getting good times and having fun. I’d like to stay in the Academy and try make it into the Swans AFLW team.”
The National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards celebrates and recognises the exceptional achievements of Indigenous athletes. It aims to honour their contributions to sports historically, in the present, and their potential for the future. Through this awards program, the remarkable talents, dedication, and resilience of Indigenous sportspeople are highlighted and celebrated.
The awards serve as a means to showcase the support and recognition provided by others, acknowledging the significance of Indigenous representation and excellence in the sporting world.
Should you like to show your support for the Academy via the Sydney Swans Foundation, we encourage you to donate today.
