Fast Track to 2032: Concordia Athlete Chasing Olympic Dreams
When most people ask Concordia Lutheran College Year 8 student Noah Mazlin what he wants to be when he grows up, he doesn’t hesitate. “An Olympian,” he says simply. It’s not said as a throwaway line. It’s a goal he thinks about every time he steps onto the track.
Noah trains six days a week. He balances school, homework and friendships with sprint sessions, hurdle drills and strength work. It’s busy. It’s hard but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I just love competing,” Noah said. “I love pushing myself to see how much faster I can go. When you’re on the start line, everything else disappears.”
His main events are hurdles and triple jump, and it was only recently that he realised he might be capable of something special.
“I wasn’t even training that much at first,” he said. “But I was still finishing near the top at big meets. That’s when I thought, if I really commit to this, maybe I can take it somewhere.”
Earlier this year, Noah travelled to New Zealand to compete in the Colgate Games, an international event for young athletes.
“It was pretty amazing,” he said. “The competition was strong. I made the hurdles final and came fifth, and our relay team won bronze. It showed me I can compete at that level.”
Back at Concordia, Noah says the support around him has made a difference.
“The school has been great,” he said. “There are so many sports opportunities here. I’ve played soccer, futsal, touch, softball, cricket, cross country and swimming. It’s helped me become a better all-around athlete.”
He also values the understanding from staff when it comes to training and competition commitments.
“My teachers are supportive. They know sport is important to me, but they also remind me to stay on top of my schoolwork.”
Concordia’s focus on developing the whole student, not just results on a scoreboard, is something Noah appreciates.
“It’s not just about winning,” he said. “It’s about improving and being part of a team.”
At home, his family is firmly behind him.
“Dad helps me train and Mum is always there,” Noah said. “They believe in me.”
His long-term goal is clear. He would love to compete at the Commonwealth Games and ultimately at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
“I know it’s a big dream,” he said. “But if you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
At Concordia Lutheran College, big dreams are taken seriously and for Noah Mazlin, the race has only just begun.
