Combining trade training with an elite sports career is one way St Patrick’s Technical College student Jaden Rollison is guaranteeing a secure future for himself.
Jaden is one of South Australia’s most talented young track cyclists and will soon represent the state in the Under 17s Australian Junior Track National Championships in Melbourne.
As a member of the South Australia track cycling development squad, Jaden hopes his performance over the next 12 months will see him selected to the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) by 2019.
The former BMX champion is the current State Sprint Champion holding the gold medal in both the 200m and 500m sprint. Training seven days a week, Jaden one day hopes to be selected to represent Australia at the Olympic Games.
Jaden, who cycles for Central Districts, joined the Year 11 intake to StPatsTech in a bid to secure an apprenticeship as a plumber. Inspired by his pop, who was a plumber for 50 years, Jaden hopes he can combine his trade training and cycling schedule.
He said he appreciated the value of having a trade behind him, especially once his cycling career winds down.
College Principal Danny Deptula congratulated Jaden on his impressive achievements and wished him all the best for the national titles.
“Jaden has obviously seriously considered his future and can see the value in developing skills off the cycling track which can support his dreams of becoming an Olympian,’’ Mr Deptula said.
“StPatsTech is a great choice for young sportsmen as they can continue to follow their sports passion while securing an apprenticeship or traineeship, which can serve them for the rest of their lives.’’
The 2018 Cycling Australia Junior Track National Championships will be held at the Disc Velodrome from February 19 to 25.