Georges River training track facility funding supports three Olympic athletes

Georges River training track facility funding supports three Olympic athletes

Combined support from Georges River Council and NSW Government will see three inspirational Georges River track cycling athletes represent Australia and compete in this year’s Paralympic and Olympic games in Japan.

With $79,000 financial support from Georges River Council and additional $100,000 through NSW Government’s Stronger Community funding and support, training tracks were given a major overhaul and resurface, making it possible and safe for high-speed top athletes to train and compete.   

Local residents and world champions Kaarle McCulloch and Ashlee Ankudinoff will join the 15 strong national track cycling team to compete in the Olympics, from 23rd July to 8th August 2021; multiple world champion Amanda Reid in the Paralympics, from 24th August to 5th September in Tokyo. 

With 43 Olympics and Commonwealth Games medals up their sleeves, the trio are among more than 100 St George Cycling Club riders that raced into history books, having represented their country, trained and raced at local training grounds – Hurstville Oval velodrome and Oatley Park. 

The velodrome in Hurstville was used as a bike track from the 1920s, where Dunc Gray trained to win Australia’s first Olympic cycling gold medal in 1932. Since 1956 Melbourne Olympics, St George Cycling as the most powerful club in Australia, has represented the nation at every Olympic and Commonwealth Games. 

McCulloch, Ankudinoff and Reid train three days a week at St George cycling facilities in Hurstville and Oatley, and two days in the gym working their fitness, strength and technical aspects.

Phill Bates, long standing administrator of St George Cycling and NSW and Australian Cycling said, “the funding support was a lifeline to the Club and has made it possible to continue to develop new talent who will also go on to represent their country or just improve their lifestyle.  It is a cycling velodrome accessible to all.”

Georges River Mayor Kevin Greene notes “Our elite athletes are our national pride for all Australians. Competing at the Olympics and Paralympic Games is the pinnacle of every athlete’s sporting dreams. We are proud to support our local sportspersons as they make their final preparations for the Games.

For more information on Georges River Council, please visit www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au 

Image top: Kaarle McCulloch; centre Amanda Reid; and above Ashlee Ankudinoff