Kyle Willis awarded Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship 

Queensland Para-Cyclist Kyle Willis has been recognised with an induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) 2022 Scholarship and Mentoring Program.

The Moreton Bay Cycling Club member was one of only ten recipients from ten sports (Rowing, Cycling, Canoe/Kayak, Surf Life Saving, Hockey, Diving, Swimming, Sport Climbing, Lawn Bowls and Karate) who were awarded the $5,000 sporting grant.

A former runner Kyle, 20, switched to cycling in 2018. In the summer of 2020-21, he claimed three medals at the 2021 Track National Championships in Brisbane and then claimed bronze in the road race and time trial in the C3 category at the 2021 Road National Championships in Ballarat in January.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program,” said Willis. “As well as teaching valuable training and competition techniques, this program also provides a unique opportunity to obtain advice and knowledge for aspiring athletes.”

Kyle becomes the tenth cyclist, the second Para-cyclist and the first male Para-cyclist, to be part of the Scholarship and Mentoring Program.

The nation’s leading sports scholarship program, which is supported by Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport, awards a total of 32 scholarships each year and provides $150,000 in funding to future stars to support them in their quest for excellence and success on the world stage.

“I believe that I would find this to be immensely helpful to prepare me for my future career challenges as well as to develop a better personal perspective on my sport,” Willis added.

“I am quite excited at the prospect of being able to talk directly with current and ex-athletes who have had successful careers at the highest levels.”

AusCycling Chief Executive Officer Marne Fechner congratulated Willis on his achievements.

“Congratulations to Kyle on being awarded a 2022 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Kyle and wonderful to have cycling represented,” said Fechner.

“We wish Kyle the very best and thank the Sport Australia Hall of Fame for supporting our emerging athletes to continue to chase their sporting dreams."

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Officer Lynne Anderson echoed Fechner’s words.

“I’m very pleased Kyle has earned this honour because he’s a young athlete with enormous potential to become part of Australia’s very strong Paralympic cycling set-up in the future."

More information at https://sahof.org.au/scholarships/overview/