World Champions, National Titles & International Selection: The Incredible Rise of Grow for Gold Athletes
When Sports Gold Coast launched Grow for Gold, the vision was simple — provide meaningful support to the next generation of Gold Coast athletes as they chase their sporting dreams on the road to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
In just the first year of the program, Grow for Gold athletes have already achieved extraordinary success across national and international competition.
From World Cup victories and national championships through to Australian team selection, the program’s athletes are proving they belong on the biggest stages in world sport.
Natalia Drobot Named Paddle Australia’s Paddler of the Year
One of the standout moments of the year came through Grow for Gold athlete Natalia Drobot, who was officially named Paddle Australia’s 2025 Paddler of the Year.
Natalia’s rise has continued to accelerate internationally, highlighted by a stunning performance in Hungary where she claimed World Cup Gold in the K1 Women’s 500m Final at the 2026 ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup.
Her victory placed her among the world’s elite and further cemented her status as one of Australia’s most exciting young paddling talents.
For the Gold Coast sporting community, Natalia’s achievements represent exactly what Grow for Gold was created to support — world-class athletes emerging from our city and competing at the highest level.
National Para Triathlon Champions
Grow for Gold athletes Ashley Bryden and guide Felicity delivered one of the most inspiring performances of the year in the women’s PTVI B2/B3 race, storming to victory to claim the national title.
BMX Freestyle National Success
Grow for Gold athletes Sarah Nicki Gilbee and Xavier Gilbee both claimed national titles at the 2026 BMX Freestyle National Championships, further cementing the Gold Coast as a powerhouse for action sports talent.
Competing against some of Australia’s best riders, the pair delivered standout performances on the national stage and continued the rapid rise of BMX freestyle heading toward Brisbane 2032.
Australian Team Selection for Seth Kennedy & Thewbelle Philp
Grow for Gold athletes Seth Kennedy and Thewbelle Philp were also selected in a record-breaking Australian Under 20 athletics team set to compete internationally in the United States.
Australian team selection is a major achievement for any young athlete and reflects years of commitment, sacrifice and high-performance progression.
To see multiple Grow for Gold athletes representing Australia internationally demonstrates the calibre of talent already emerging through the program.
Australian Gliders Selection for Maddie Kelton
Another major milestone for the program came through Kelton, who earned selection into the Australian Gliders national squad for the 2026 season.
Recognised for her speed and intensity on the court, Kelton’s ability to drive full-court defensive pressure has become a major weapon for the national program.
Selection into the Gliders squad represents an enormous achievement and highlights the continued strength of para-sport talent emerging through the Gold Coast.
U23 Oceania Sprint Champion: Aspen Anderson
Grow for Gold athlete Aspen Anderson also opened her 2026 season in impressive fashion, delivering a standout performance to claim the U23 Oceania Sprint Championship title.
Competing at Continental Cup level, Anderson crossed the line 2nd overall in a time of 58:19 after spending the day battling strongly within the front pack.
Luca Free Returns for the 2026 Rowing Season
Another exciting moment for the Grow for Gold program has been the return of Luca Free to competition for the 2026 rowing season following injury setbacks.
Returning from injury is often one of the toughest challenges an athlete can face — requiring resilience, patience and an enormous commitment to rehabilitation and recovery.
Amelie Sanders Emerging as One of Australia’s Top Young Cyclists
Grow for Gold athlete Amelie Sanders continues to rise as one of Australia’s most exciting young cycling talents.
Following a standout 2026 ProVelo Super League campaign, Amelie was recognised by Cyclingnews as one of the young Australians on the pathway toward the WorldTour.
Her growing list of achievements already includes:
- selection to represent Australia in Nations Cup events across Europe
- multiple medals at the World Junior Track Championships
- elite podium performances in Belgium
- Australian U19 National ITT and Criterium titles
The Future Is Bright
The success already being achieved by Grow for Gold athletes is a powerful reminder of what can happen when sport, business and community unite behind a shared vision.
These athletes are not simply participating.
They are winning national titles.
Representing Australia.
Claiming world-stage victories.
And inspiring the next generation of Gold Coast sport.
And with Brisbane 2032 still years away, this is only the beginning.