Once again another of our young athletes has been chosen to represent Australia overseas.
This time its in the sport of weightlifting and the event is the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships to be held in Delhi India. His name is Taj Marsh and he will represent his country in the Junior 89 kg category.
Taj has credited his success so far to the overwhelming support he has received from his community. Through the Australian Sports Foundation, members of the community have come together to help raise funds to support his training and travel expenses.
This young man has expressed his gratitude towards the Noosa Barbell community, who have helped him with his training, as well as other local businesses including the Integrated Health Centre, Supco Noosa, Wild Delicious, Nortek Development and the Noosa Heads Surf Club.
With the competition date fast approaching, Taj is determined to give it his all and hopes to make his community proud. It goes without saying that we in the community of Noosa, wish this young man all the very best.
The pathway to wearing the green and gold of his country, is no easy journey. At present, his training schedule consists of up to five hours per day, six days a week, all done under the supervision of his proud father and coach, Woogie Marsh.
Taj, now aged 19 started in the sport as a 12 year old and commenced competing at the ripe old age of 14 years. All his hard work dedication and guidance is now definitely showing results.
It is interesting to note that away from the intense world of international weightlifting competition, the entire Marsh family of five (both parents and three siblings) are all heavily involved in the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club. Definitely an outstanding family contribution to the community of Noosa.
Queensland Academy of Sport
In a flyer just released by our local QAS sprint kayak coach, Sharlene Kelly, the Queensland Academy of Sport is currently travelling Queensland to conduct the testing for round two of the QAS You for 2032 talent identify program. Many sports are involved, including sprint kayaking which uncovered some talent in Noosa after round one of testing.
Our local QAS sprint coach Sharlene Kelly is excited to see the talent that will be uncovered this year.
“Noosa has a great pool of exceptional athletes and one of the best water sport conditions in the world. I am looking forward to introducing more young people to the sport of sprint kayaking and hopefully see them represent Australia one day on the world stage. Having been there, and experienced the pride and excitement that goes with representing your country, is something I hope to pass on to the youth of today.”
The kayak athletes in the Noosa area will start back training on 5 June under Sharlene and their first race will be the Queensland State Marathon Championships.
“With an age group of 15-17 and just four months training they are still in the rookie stage but it will be a great experience.”
Noosa Outrigger Club
For Noosa Outrigger Club massive weekend this week with the national marathon championships for OC 1s and 2s and OC 6s. (outriggers for one, two and six-man crews). The event is being held over three days from 26 May.
The powerful Noosa team will be well represented in all categories of paddling. The OC 1and 2s and Aussie Va’a racing will be held on the Friday, with team events on the Saturday and Sunday. There will also be racing in the men’s, women’s and mixed divisions as well as junior paddling. Next week we will run a complete wrap up of events as this is also another sport that is starting to spread.
For the newcomers to the sport, Va’a is the Polynesian name given to the traditional outrigger canoe. It is good to see that the traditional Polynesian names and customs are still being observed.
Rugby League
For all involved in the Noosa Pirates Rugby League club last weekend was indeed a tough one. Both our U19s and women’s teams had byes and Division 2, (reserve grade) sadly lacking in team members, were soundly beaten 48- 4, by the visiting Bribie Island.
They never stopped trying but their defence, one on one, left a lot to be desired. The quicker they learn that, “defence ain’t something that you put round the house to keep the dogs in,” the better they will be.
Considering their effort in the weekend before it was disappointing but when you are sadly down on troop numbers, it becomes something of a one- horse race. However, as stated, their performance on the weekend prior, tells us that the ability and talent is definitely there.
The main game of the day Pirates Division 1 was in the words of a supporter, Pirates at its best.
Before a big crowd it was a game that fluctuated with both leading the way. The Pirates got off to a great start with them taking an early lead of 14-0. However, Maroochy hit back big time and going into the half time break, led 22-14, it was obviously going to be anyone’s game.
Then in the second half Noosa scored early with a converted try making it 22-20 from then on it was football at its best, with both going try for try. Good passing and wide sweeping runs, highlight of which was a great try by Noosa winger Ethan Polhner. So close was the game, that the big crowd took up the club chant- Noosa ! Noosa ! Then late in the second half, Noosa scored two quick tries to round off the game, 42-32.
Captain Kris Williams and front row partner Rajan Opetaia-Halls really stood out, while young lock Harry Dwyer was outstanding. Perhaps another factor in Pirates favour was a game for the little six year olds at half time, lots of fun that set the mood for victory.
Trivia of the week
It is definitely on the way back. Bodysurfing, the forgotten art.
Competitions are being conducted, and it is an international sport. In some countries, it’s traditional, but in Noosa it has been dying. More news on the way.
