Her "ultimate dream" is to become a professional athlete but for now Montana Doubell, a 16-year-old athlete at the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS), is planning to make her last school year a memorable one.
“As it’s my final year of school, I would really like to make the NSW triathlon team one last time,” Montana said. “I also hope to be selected to play in the Swans team to verse Victoria and Queensland in the Coates Talent League [an under-19 Australian rules football representative competition] in April.”
Montana has always had a passion for sports, and in her relentless pursuit of personal excellence, she is currently challenging herself at high levels in the two sports.
“At the moment I am training for both AFL and triathlon, which has been difficult as they are very different when it comes to physical movement,” Montana said.
“I love the camaraderie of team sports and I love pushing myself in endurance sports.
“I love both sports equally and am trying my best in both fields to see what I can achieve."
Five years ago, Montana became an IAS athlete and began engaging wholeheartedly in its offerings, embracing rigorous strength training, exploring nutrition, and dedicating herself to enhancing her athletic prowess and future professionalism. She also participates in cross-country and surf sports programs.
“I first joined the IAS because I was very interested in all the extra education modules they provided,” Montana said.
“I have learned so much from nutrition, social media management, and understanding drugs in sports and the requirements from me as an aspiring athlete.
“The coaches have helped me build a solid foundation over the last few years, and have taught me how important strength is, for not only competing well but also to reduce injury.”
Dedication to her craft has motivated Montana to excellence in both sports. She has won prestigious titles, including IAS Triathlon Athlete of the Year in 2021 and 2022, earned a spot in the U18 Swans benchmark, been selected for the Triathlon NSW team for 2022 and 2023 and the list goes on.
Those achievements can be attributed to Montana's mindset and her ability to push herself to another level to gain a competitive edge.
“There are also lots of things that are in your control, like how hard you push yourself and finding that grit to keep going when everything hurts."
For this rising sports star, while her time at IAS is coming to an end, her dream is to transition successfully into the professional world.
“My ultimate dream would be to become a professional and earn a living doing what I love,” she said.
Montana credits her success to her friends, family, and coaches who have all supported her along the way.
“I would just like to say thank you to my parents, coaches, and the IAS for believing in me and supporting my dream,” Montana said.
“I am very lucky to have some amazing people around me.”
