An additional 26 outstanding young athletes from across Australia will receive scholarships as part of this year’s Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program.

The program is supported by Australian Government funding from Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and has grown from offering five Scholarships since it began in 2006 to offering a total of 32 funded Scholarships in 2021.

Ten Tier 2 Scholarships have been granted to young athletes from 10 different sports, who will each receive a $5,000 sporting grant.

A further 16 young athletes, from seven states and territories, have been granted Tier 3 Scholarships and will each receive a $2,500 sporting grant.

Sport Australia Chair John Wylie AM said the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program showed the collective power of sport.
“From artistic swimming to modern pentathlon to judo, these scholarships will help more young athletes from across Australia reach the highest level of their sport. This program provides financial support and acknowledges the incredible efforts of our junior athletes, who’ve shown compassion, athletic drive and determination to chase their sporting dreams.”

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program Chair Sue Stanley OAM said she is pleased that the expansion of the Program can provide an additional 26 Australian junior athletes access to financial support.
“We couldn’t be happier to be able to provide this additional support especially during this time of uncertainty. To provide hope and encouragement to such a large group of athletes is a gift that we are exceptionally proud to give.”

ETHAN CALLEJA, 20, WA, Artistic Swimming

“Being successful for the SAHOF Scholarship is not only humbling, but a true honour to be a part of a prestigious program and family with a rich history. I am truly inspired by all the athletes across so many sports that have been involved in creating a part of Australian history and I am so thankful for SAHOF for selecting me to hopefully impact this history. Due to being a male in a smaller female dominated sport it is quite difficult to gather support when paving the way, thus having the opportunity to be involved with SAHOF is truly awe-inspiring.” – Ethan Calleja

ZOE CUTHBERT, 19, ACT, Mountain Bike

“Receiving this Scholarship helps me continue to do the sport I love. Its support will help me to improve my riding skills and fitness, allowing me to chase my dreams of competing on the world stage.” – Zoe Cuthbert

TESS FLINTOFF, 17, VIC, Cricket

“It is a huge honour to be a part of the SAHOF Scholarship Program. I’m extremely grateful to have the support of such a wonderful organisation that helps myself and other athletes achieve their full potential in both sport and life. This Scholarship will ease the stress and pressure on my family and will help provide the extra resources I need to achieve my goals.” – Tess Flintoff

DYLAN LITTLEHALES, 20, NSW, Canoe/Kayak (Para)

“It is a tremendous honour for myself to become a part of the SAHOF family and be recognised for my achievement on and off the water. I look forward to taking my performance to the next level with the support of SAHOF.” – Dylan Littlehales

NIKITA MAWHIRT, 20, WA, Modern Pentathlon

“I cannot put into words how grateful I am to receive a SAHOF Scholarship. It was both a surprise and a shock to receive the call as I know how many talented athletes all around Australia apply for the program. With Modern Pentathlon being such a small sport in Australia, let alone WA, having the support of SAHOF is a real honour and privilege and I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to training hard over summer and what will hopefully be a positive year ahead.” – Nikita Mawhirt

COL PEARSE, 17, VIC, Swimming (Para)

“I always feel proud and honoured when I am recognised for my swimming and being notified of my successful application by SAHOF is an honour and I am truly grateful to be given this Scholarship. This Scholarship will assist in helping me make the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic swim team and give me the opportunity of a lifetime.” – Col Pearse

MAEVE PLOUFFE, 21, SA, Cycling

“It is an honour to join the list of high achieving and admirable past SAHOF Scholarship Holders. As a young athlete, SAHOF is helping me kickstart my career and will assist me immensely in working towards my dream of gold in the 2021 Olympic Games.” – Maeve Plouffe

ANGIE SCARTH-JOHNSON, 16, ACT, Sport Climbing

“I have been very fortune to have received a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship. It is a true honour to be included with so many amazing athletes from all different disciplines. The support that the Scholarship will give me is essential to my success as a young athlete and to my overall goals in becoming a World champion.” – Angie Scarth-Johnson

REBA STEWART, 19, VIC, Taekwondo

“I am honoured to be a successful applicant for a SAHOF Scholarship. Feeling an equal amount of excitement and appreciation to be recognised and supported through this program, I look forward to being able to continue to focus on my training knowing that some of the heavy lifting with expenses is being taken care of. Thank you.” – Reba Stewart

COOPER WOODS, 20, NSW, Mogul Skiing

“It is an honour and privilege to be a successful SAHOF Scholarship Recipient! To be able to work alongside and be supported by a wonderful organisation is a confidence builder. SAHOF has supported some of the best athletes in the world and I’m beyond happy to be a part of their Scholarship Program.” – Cooper Woods

Scholarships would normally be presented at the annual Sport Australia Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner, however, given current restrictions, the Scholarship Holders and Mentors will be meeting virtually until circumstances change.

Read about our Tier 1 Scholarship Holders who each receive a $10,000 sporting grant and will be mentored by an Australian sporting icon here.

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