Jasmine Rayward is a multisport athlete specialising in open water swimming, surf lifesaving and kayaking, who was awarded a Tier 3 Scholarship within the 2023 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
Born in 2006, Jasmine started out her sporting career on the Gold Coast in swimming and surf lifesaving before adding kayaking to her regime in 2020. As the oldest of four siblings, Jasmine has always enjoyed a tight knit family and friendship group with plenty of banter at the dinner table.
Jasmine was not regarded as an natural athlete, only just qualifying for district sport representative teams however, was an excellent student when she was awarded Dux for her academic achievements. Jasmine worked hard and her dedication set the groundwork for future success. Jasmine studied the whole curriculum of year 7 to 9 in French, selected for QLD surf lifesaving teams (both ocean and pool rescue), QLD kayaking teams and winning National Titles in Open Water, Kayaking and Surf Life Saving.
In 2021, at just 14 years old, Jasmine made her first Open Ironwoman final for Summer of Surf.
In 2022, Jasmine had achieved amazing feats. Being named in four Australian Junior teams to race at World Championships; World Junior Sprint Kayak Championships – Hungary, World Junior Open Water Championships – The Seychelles, World Life Saving Championships – Italy and the World Ocean Ski Championships – Portugal. Jasmine was also selected in the Australian Junior Marathon Kayak team however, had to withdraw due to a programming clashes.
Jasmine loves all her sports and is determined to continue to pursue a career as a multi-sport athlete for as long as possible. She is very fortunate to have a network of amazing coaches and supporters who are all on board with her journey – wherever that may take her.
When Jasmine is not training or competing, she can be found sitting quietly in the corner reading her books, usually with a cat nearby.
“It’s amazing to be supported in my sporting journey. I feel like I’m actually an athlete, rather than just a recreational participant and I really appreciate having all my training and achievements acknowledged by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship program.” – Jasmine Rayward on being selected as a 2023 Tier 3 Scholarship Holder.
Honours & Achievements
- 2022: Australian Open Water Junior Championships – 1st
- 2022: Aussies Junior Surf Life Saving – 1st
- 2022: National Sprint Kayak Junior Championships – 3rd
- 2022: Australian Junior Age Swimming Championships – 6th
- 2022: QLD School Triathlon Championships – 6th
- 2023: Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship Holder
