Igniting The Next Generation

Caroline Buchanan knows a thing or two about making an impact.

Her racing CV glitters rainbow colours across two disciplines, her journey an inspiring one to the sporting community.

The 8-time world champion has plenty of passion for two-wheels and it is the next generation of them that will benefit from her latest mentoring program.

“IGN!TE is a rebrand and evolution of my previous Buchanan Next Gen scholarships! The world has changed, and I felt it’s more important than ever to hit the refresh button and bring some passion and purpose.”

“About a month ago I had opened application submissions through my website that I was looking for 13–19-year-old Aussie girls who had a specific and measurable project dream that I could help IGNITING through $5000 funds from our amazing sponsor Rubik3 and my personal mentoring on a 4-month timeline.”

It’s a chance for the selected scholarship holders to pick the brain of the athlete who kicked down doors to get recognition for the sport of BMX in mainstream Australia during the early years of her career.

“I love leaving the ladder down for the future girls, so they don’t have to jump through the same struggles.”

Layla Sharman

For Leyla Sharman there was little hesitation in knowing she would apply for one of the three scholarships on offer.

“The fact that it was Caroline supporting it and she’s a professional athlete, that’s what I want to be.”

Leyla received the scholarship in the mountain bike category and is focusing on elevating and educating herself in marketing, social media and her brand.

She will complete workshops, learn tools to navigate social media programs and will shoot a personal brand video of her in action on her MTB with a videographer.

In the past few years the 15-year-old from Hobart has also upped her riding level to being on the path to achieving her goal.

“Learning how to do big jumps and competing in the Tasmanian Enduro Mountain Bike competitions. I want to be an Enduro World Champion and I couldn’t ask for a better mentor to help me achieve my goals.”

Along with the Ignite Scholarship, Sharman also has the support of Shredding Betties, an all-female mountain bike club.

“I am a junior committee member and the club do a lot of great stuff to support girls and women in mountain biking.”

Sarah Nicki

From skateparks to racing BMX with the Canberra BMX Club, Sarah has found herself falling for the freestyle world of BMX and went all in to take her riding to the next level by applying for the scholarship/.

“When I found out I was very shocked and excited! I worked really hard on my application but didn’t expect to be chosen.”

Sarah who won the BMX category, will be purchasing an airbag and take off + 16 personal coaching lessons with an AusCycling accredited freestyle coach.

She has a specific trick list and wants to have the training exposure to more airtime to prepare her for upcoming future FISE events eventually qualify for the Olympics.

“I hope that Caroline’s mentoring, the airbag and coaching purchased with the scholarship will help me reach my goals faster and give me the confidence to set new, even bigger goals.”

“I’m so lucky to have this opportunity and I want to make the most of it.”

Buchanan is also auctioning off one of her BMX bikes with the funds raised going to IGNITING an Australian racing girls dreams.

You can find the item here.