Two young athletes are waving the flag for the Central Coast at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games.
George Wells and Liliya Tatarinoff are two of a team of 76 athletes forming the Australian contingent for the games, an international multi-sport event organised by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
The Games bring nations together in a colourful celebration of sport and human performance, giving young athletes aged between 14 and 18 a platform to develop their skills and gain valuable experience on the international stage.
The event was first held in 2000 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and since then has been held an additional five times.
The Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games will see more than 1000 athletes compete across seven sports from August 4-11.
The sports will take place across Trinidad and Tobago, bringing a diverse perspective of the twin island country to the nations of the Commonwealth, as well as showcasing a festival of the country’s activities.
Seven sports will be featured, with 94 different medal events.
For the first time, para-athletics has been included in the Youth Games program.
Trinbago 2023 will also see the debut of FAST5 Netball and both Individual and Mixed Triathlon events.
George Wells will compete in the Men’s Discus Throw.
Representing Mingara Athletics Club, with ties to Gosford Athletics Club, George started in athletics when he was five years old.
His most recent achievements include setting a State Little Athletics record in Discus and winning the U18 Discus and Shot Put Australian titles.
His aspirations include success at this Commonwealth Youth Games and throwing the 1.5kg discus over 60m.
Liliya Tatarinoff, a member of the Central Coast Cycling Club, will compete in Track.
Liliya has been competing in Track Cycling since she was seven and her most recent achievements include being crowned the U19 Women Sprints National Champion, 500m Time Trial National Champion and taking out the Team Sprint title.
She also holds the Australian record for the U17 500m Time Trial and Team Sprint and is the U19 500m Time Trial and Keirin Oceania Champion.
Her future aspirations include representing Australia at the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
CCN