Keith Hong is definitely an inspiration to the Recreational Running Community. Making his endeavour to Australia 16 years ago, he used his passion for the sport as a way to connect with the local community. Not only has his involvement with recreational running provided Keith with this kinship, but it is also evident his involvement has provided connections and created passion for many other individuals in the sport. 

Hear more about Keith Hong's story and his current involvement within the world of Athletics and Recreational Running by viewing his video below.

Ella recently made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games running an astonishing PB in the semi-finals, making her the fastest Australian woman ever over the 200m distance.

Ella’s passion for athletics started as a 6 year old when she was watching the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She made her international debut at the 2010 Junior World Championships before competing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, placing sixth in her semi-final.

Ella is currently studying a Bachelor of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Wollongong.

Youcef Abdi has been a long time participant in Athletics both on and off the track. His passion for Australian Athletics started when he first visited Sydney 1996 where he competed in the Junior World Championships. Youcef first competed for the Australian team in 2006 at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games where he won a bronze in the 1500m event. From here, Youcef went on to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games, where he finished 6^th at both.

Since his Olympic Career, Youcef has been a dedicated and passionate employee of both Little Athletics NSW and Athletics NSW, where his enthusiasm for the sport is displayed through his consistent commitment to its development. 

Athletics NSW is extremely excited to present to you our first 2016/17 Membership Ambassador; Amy Pejkovic. Amy’s love of Athletics and particularly High Jump, was established at the young age of 10, where in her first ever State High Jump Competition, she came equal first and third on count back with a state record. Ever since this, Amy has been following her passion for the sport and representing her Country at both World Youth and World Junior Championships, where she placed 2^nd and 7^th respectively.

On top of Amy’s athletic success, she has also created a name for herself on the International Modelling state where she has stared in multiple campaigns including Lorna Jane, Country Road Active and Paspaley Pearls. She has also performed in multiple runway performances for brands such as Bec & Bridge, Alice McCall, We are Handsome, Ellery, Alex Perry and Chanel.

In 2012, Amy was unfortunately diagnosed with a Brain Tumour located on the Brain Stem. As Amy stated ‘It was something that changed my life forever, an event I never imagined happening, nor anticipated would ever affect me.’

Amy never contemplated letting this setback affect her successes in life, and she has certainly stuck by this. Amy has shown her true courage and strength as she returned to the athletic arena and has her sights set on achieving great things for Australia in the future.

We are proud and honoured to have Amy Pejkovic as a Brand Ambassador for the 2016/17 season.