Charting New Waters: A Q&A with Abbey Rankin

Can you tell us why you applied for the YouFor2032 testing session?

I saw it as a great chance to explore new options. When I got the opportunity to do performance testing with Youfor2032 in Mackay, I knew I had to take it.

Since then, I’ve moved to the Sunshine Coast for school and sports. This opportunity has opened exciting possibilities for me, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

Were you already playing sports?

Yes, I was actively playing AFL.

How did it feel to be identified by QAS?

It was a great moment. Being recognised by QAS opened doors to the sport of Wing Foiling which I had never even heard of before.

How are you juggling school and training?

Balancing university and training can be challenging, but I try to fit in foiling sessions between my classes, and it’s been working out well so far.

What are you currently focusing on in your training and what’s next for you?

I’m focused on mastering the fundamentals of sailing, which are more complex than they seem. As for the future, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

What advice would you give to kids who want to try Sailing or thinking of registering for the YouFor2032 program?

For people who are thinking of sailing or the YouFor2032 program, I say go for it, you have nothing to lose but so much to gain and to take advantage of opportunities like this because not everyone has them.

The theme for Queensland Youth Week is “Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You”. What does being “bold and brave” mean to you in your athletic journey?

To me be bold and brave means showing yourself and others that you have what it takes to try and succeed in a completely new sport or anything in life if you work hard, take risks and learn from your mistakes.