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Charlotte McAuliffe: The right coach for a world-class sprinter

Charlotte arrived with four world silver medals, one of the best World Youth Championship records in Australian history. The key was a coach who would build around her speed, and a programme that let her keep competing for Australia.

The story

Charlotte arrived with a remarkable CV. What was the challenge?

“Charlotte is one of Australia's most decorated World Youth Championship athletes ever, with four world silver medals. She's a sprint-focused 400m athlete who doesn't work as much on the aerobic side, so the key was finding a coach who would build around her strengths rather than push her into a programme that didn't suit her.”

Why New Mexico?

“The coaching staff there were willing to work within her wheelhouse, and that's allowed her to keep being successful. Just as importantly, it lets her keep competing internationally for Australia. That mattered to us from the start, and we're proud to have got it over the line.”

Nathan Gillis, founder of Olympic Sports Scholarships

Key results

• Four world silver medals at youth level
• Continues to compete internationally for Australia

What this means for your recruiting

• The best programme is the one whose coach fits how you train, not only the biggest name.
• If you compete internationally, make sure your university supports it before you sign.

Useful next reads

• US scholarships for Australian athletes
• 400m scholarship times
• The Standards Engine: times for every event

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