From Melton to Canada: Jayde Young’s Rapid Rise in Athletics

Jayde Young is a determined teen balancing school and sport, now set to represent Australia on the world stage - a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase big dreams.

Story by  
May 21, 2025

At first glance, Jayde Young might seem like any other dedicated high school student - balancing homework, training sessions, and the occasional late-night study sessions. But beneath that calm determination is a rising star in Australian athletics, preparing to represent our country on the international stage in Canada.

Jayde’s journey into track and field started later than most. “I think I started when I was about 13, in the under-14s,” she recalls. “I only joined because I realised I was kind of good at it during school sports. I never thought it would go anywhere - until it did.”

Now specialising in the 400m and 800m events, Jayde has found her rhythm both on and off the track. “I love the crowds, the energy, the competition - everything about it. That adrenaline rush when you hear people cheering? It’s unreal,” she says, reflecting on one of her most memorable moments at the State Championships. “I was getting into my blocks for the 400m, and the whole stadium was just buzzing. I could hear everyone cheering. It was so loud. That moment stuck with me."

Jayde runs for teams Eureka and Ballarat, and her training schedule is as disciplined as her mindset - training three days a week for two hours, with strength workouts on her rest days. “It’s definitely a grind,” she says, laughing. “But I’ve got an amazing team. When I don’t feel like going to training, they’re the ones who hype me up and make sure I don’t slack off. They believe in me, even on the days I don’t.”

That support network has been vital, especially as Jayde prepares for her biggest competition yet: representing Australia in Canada. The opportunity, she explains, came unexpectedly. “I was at States competitions last year, representing Melton through school. A few weeks later, I got a letter saying I’d been invited to compete internationally. I honestly thought it was a mistake at first - it still hasn’t sunk in.”

"I just want to do my best and make it count. A year ago, I never would’ve believed this was possible"

Though nerves and excitement go hand in hand, Jayde is focused. Her goals for Canada are simple but powerful. “I want to win,” she says with a smile. “But more than that, I just want to do my best and make it count. A year ago, I never would’ve believed this was possible.”

Balancing elite athletics with school is no easy task. Jayde often finishes training around 7PM and spends her evenings studying. “I usually do homework from 9 to 11 at night, and weekends are full of it too. It’s hard,” she admits, “but I’m motivated by the idea of graduating and getting into something I love.”

That something might be sports science or occupational therapy - fields that align with her passion for movement and physical wellbeing. “P.E. is my best subject,” she says. “I love learning how the body works. Recently, someone mentioned high performance sport and coaching elite athletes as a path too. That sounded really interesting.”

Jayde’s community has rallied around her journey. From cheers at meets to words of encouragement online, she’s felt the love. “The support from Melton has been amazing. And of course, my parents - they're everything. They drive me to training, take me to competitions, and support me in every way. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Jayde competing in a race.

"I never thought I’d be here. I joined late, I didn’t expect much, but I kept going. And now I’m competing internationally. You never know where it can take you unless you try"

As she heads to Canada, Jayde is also fundraising through a GoFundMe campaign. “Any help is appreciated, but really, it’s the encouragement that means the most,” she says. “It’s a lot of pressure, especially when people say things like, ‘You’re already going international, you must be so proud.’ And I am, but it’s also a lot to carry. That pressure keeps me pushing though. I love it.”

To young athletes from Melton and across Australia, Jayde has one message: just start. “I never thought I’d be here. I joined late, I didn’t expect much, but I kept going. And now I’m competing internationally. You never know where it can take you unless you try.”

Akur is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, and loves to amplify positive stories through writing and community leadership.

At first glance, Jayde Young might seem like any other dedicated high school student - balancing homework, training sessions, and the occasional late-night study sessions. But beneath that calm determination is a rising star in Australian athletics, preparing to represent our country on the international stage in Canada.

Jayde’s journey into track and field started later than most. “I think I started when I was about 13, in the under-14s,” she recalls. “I only joined because I realised I was kind of good at it during school sports. I never thought it would go anywhere - until it did.”

Now specialising in the 400m and 800m events, Jayde has found her rhythm both on and off the track. “I love the crowds, the energy, the competition - everything about it. That adrenaline rush when you hear people cheering? It’s unreal,” she says, reflecting on one of her most memorable moments at the State Championships. “I was getting into my blocks for the 400m, and the whole stadium was just buzzing. I could hear everyone cheering. It was so loud. That moment stuck with me."

Jayde runs for teams Eureka and Ballarat, and her training schedule is as disciplined as her mindset - training three days a week for two hours, with strength workouts on her rest days. “It’s definitely a grind,” she says, laughing. “But I’ve got an amazing team. When I don’t feel like going to training, they’re the ones who hype me up and make sure I don’t slack off. They believe in me, even on the days I don’t.”

That support network has been vital, especially as Jayde prepares for her biggest competition yet: representing Australia in Canada. The opportunity, she explains, came unexpectedly. “I was at States competitions last year, representing Melton through school. A few weeks later, I got a letter saying I’d been invited to compete internationally. I honestly thought it was a mistake at first - it still hasn’t sunk in.”

Akur is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, and loves to amplify positive stories through writing and community leadership.

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