Uncovering Hidden Talents: The Journey of an Unknown Athlete to Olympic Contender
Sammy Lourey, a 19-year-old scholarship holder at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS), is on a journey that could lead her to the biggest stage in sports – the Olympics. Lourey’s story is one of hidden talents, perseverance, and the power of grit in the face of challenges.
From Surf Life Saving to Kayaking
Lourey’s path to kayaking started in a swimming and surf life-saving background, where she struggled with surf skis. Despite feeling demotivated, Lourey’s coach at the Trigg Surf Club saw potential in her and encouraged her to attend a try-out day at WAIS. Fast forward four years, and Lourey is now excelling in kayaking, having quickly moved up the ranks and even winning a national title at her first attempt.
“It turns out I really enjoyed kayaking, and now I pretty much do that full-time,” Lourey shared. While the dream of competing at the Olympic Games is on the horizon, Lourey’s focus remains on enjoying the sport and reaching her full potential.
Uncovering Hidden Talent
What makes Lourey’s journey unique is that her coach did not see any innate talent for kayaking in her when she first started. However, this lack of initial skill turned out to be a strength, as it showcased Lourey’s perseverance and determination.
WAIS’s canoeing head coach, Ramon Andersson, emphasized the importance of grit in athletes, stating, “You want to see those athletes that have got that grit and that perseverance.” According to Andersson, coaches are not always looking for skilled athletes right from the start but rather those who show potential for growth and improvement over time.
Path to the Olympics
Andersson believes that Lourey is on a trajectory that could lead her to the Olympic Games, with LA 2028 as a possible target and Brisbane 2032 as a sweet spot. Lourey’s progression from surf life saving to kayaking underscores the importance of talent identification pathways in sports.
Recently, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) conducted talent search days across the country, including at the WAIS campus, to identify potential athletes aged between 13 and 23. Through a series of tests measuring athleticism, coaches aim to pinpoint the sports where athletes can excel based on their physical attributes and skills.
Lourey’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance, talent identification, and the journey from unknown athlete to Olympic contender. As she continues to pursue her dreams in kayaking, her story serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes looking to uncover their hidden talents and reach their full potential.