Athletes Advisory Group – Queensland Weightlifting

The purpose of the Athletes Advisory Group (AAG) is to examine all matters of interest to QWA athlete members and to present suggestions or recommendations to the QWA Management Committee (MC) for its consideration. Read the AAG Policy.

Lukas Gardner has been appointed Chair of the QWA Athlete Commission and will sit as a member at QWA Management Committee meetings.

"The QWA AAG will represent the athlete's voice for all ages and experience levels, making sure that athletes are included in decision-making and also to present any ideas that may better the sport. This is a group of athletes to support other athletes, and also a point of contact for athletes to raise concerns that is not a coach or official."

Damon Kelly

“For me weightlifting has been life changing, with my personal highlights being placing 4th at the World University Games, ad competing at the Commonwealth Senior Championships.

I believe the main focus of the Athletes’ Commission should be to ensure we hear the athletes and have the best decisions made for developing and encouraging new growth in the sport.”

“Weightlifting, to me, is one of few sports that affords the opportunity to truly move beyond social barriers and stereotypes. Through it, we get to expand the definition of what and who can be strong, powerful and confident.

My vision for the AAG is to provide feedback and insight about the current context of the ‘athlete experience’ from diverse backgrounds; to contribute to organisational strategy and operations; and to describe and contribute to the resources needed to enhance outcomes for athletes and the sport of weightlifting.”

“Weightlifting has been a sport that I have dedicated part of my early adult life to perfecting. I enjoy being competitive but also use it to foster a healthy lifestyle from a social and physical perspective. I look forward to competing at more events both within Australia and internationally in the future.

In regard to the AAG, I am excited to have a voice and provide as much support for the athletes of the QWA as possible. I see the AAG as being the one stop shop for all athletes to feel comfortable voicing their concerns and pushing the sport forward.”

“Weightlifting has shaped many decisions in my life. From the various people who have influenced me and taught me lessons to the environment it has provided me to grow from. The information I have been able to extract and extrapolate into other pursuits in life has no equal. It is something only a physical and mental arena would be able to provide.

Being able to access scholarships and support at university because of competing allowed me to achieve higher levels of results both on and off the platform. The clubs allowing allowing unique personal connections to other people through their management’s sacrifices has personally meant a lot to me.”

“Weightlifting is the third international level sport that I have competed in, over my 25+ years in competitive sports. However, it is the sport that has defined me the most as an athlete. I have competed in several international competitions, with my most memorable to date being the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

To say I understand what it means to be an athlete would be an understatement, and for that reason, it makes me extremely happy and proud to be able to represent the broad community of athletes we have in the QWA.

With the help from the rest of the AAG, I hope to be able to be a voice for those in the community that might otherwise feel unheard. I will strive to continue the growth, improvement, and development of the sport for all athletes in the QWA.”

“Through my passion for weightlifting, I have aimed to involve myself more in the community to give back in any way I could. From coaching our future youths, to volunteering at events as much as possible, I will always love this community that has been created and given me a second home and a sport I love.

As part of the AAG, it is important to show that we are a collective voice for all athletes. While emphasising education, opportunities, and experiences for all that join this sport, I believe that it is truly important to prioritise those athletes and their ‘voice.’

Their voice is what gives us purpose. Their voice is what helps create culture. And it is their voice that will grow our community.”

“Weightlifting holds a profound meaning in my life. It symbolises strength, determination, and self-discovery. This sport has not only sculpted my physique but also molded my character, teaching me the value of perseverance and mental fortitude. As for the Athlete Advisory Group (AAG), my vision is to create a platform where athletes can voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas. I believe in fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment that empowers athletes to actively contribute to the betterment of the sport, ensuring their well-being and success are prioritised.”

“I have been an athlete since I could walk, initially starting in Gymnastics and now competing in Weightlifting. It’s hard to describe what weightlifting means to me because it is a very large part of who I am now. Weightlifting motivates me to strive for achievement, stay consistent, and ensures I always stay organized. I am always happy when I’m training (even if I have a cranky face some days, sorry Miles).

My vision for the Athletes Advisory Group is to continue to promote the best possible outcomes for athletes regarding QWA improvements and projects. There is a lot of sacrifice and time that goes into being an athlete, and athletes need to be a key stakeholder in any projects, changes, or improvements rolled out from an organizational level. My goal is to ensure that the athlete voice is always heard and given priority.”

Lukas Gardner

Fraser Harrison

Brayden Williams

Liam Saxby

Ebony Gorincu

Chelsea Weston

Taj Marsh

Jessica Watzek

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