From campus commutes to Paris podiums: Korey Boddington’s inspiring rise in Para-cycling
From riding to university every day to standing on the podium in Paris, Korey Boddington’s rapid rise to the top of Para-cycling has been inspirational.
Like many Queenslanders, playing sport was a major part of Korey’s upbringing on the Sunshine Coast. It was also what kept him motivated following two separate serious accidents.
“When I was nine, I was hit by a car and had multiple compound fractures in my arms and legs,” Korey said.
“Fast forward to when I was about 15, I had a motocross crash and was in a coma for three weeks with a brain injury.
“I remember when I was recovering from both accidents all I wanted to do was get back to playing sport with my mates. That’s what drove me during those tough times.”
Money-saving strategy pays
After graduating from high school, Korey began studying accounting at the University of the Sunshine Coast and was looking for ways to save money when he bought his first bike.
“I had an idea that buying a bike to ride to university would help me save on fuel,” he said.
“Before long I was timing each of my trips trying to improve my time each day.
“It wasn’t until I moved to Brisbane for work, when I discovered track Para-cycling and thought I’d give it a go.
“Three months later I attended my first nationals competition, finishing second, and the rest is history.”
QAS helped Korey achieve dreams
It was thanks to the support of the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) that Korey’s passion for sport became more than just a hobby.
“When I won in Paris last year, I realised how important it was to have the people that back you, like QAS,” Korey said.
“They saw potential in me and without the help from their coaches it wouldn’t have been possible.”
QAS Ambassadors Mac Rogers (rowing), Natalya Diehm (BMX), and Korey Boddington (Para-cycling).
As he continues his Para-cycling journey Korey is using his position as a QAS YouFor2032 Ambassador to encourage the next generation of stars to pursue their sporting dreams.
“I would say to any kids out there, give the YouFor2032 app a go because you’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.
“Without sport I wouldn’t have got through my injuries, and it puts into perspective how great sport really is.”
Young Queenslanders who dream of competing on the world stage can test their skills through the Queensland Academy of Sport YouFor2032 Talent Search app, driven by RACQ.
Queenslanders with sporting dreams aged between 13 and 23, or between 13 and 30 for Para-sports, are invited to test their skills via the app.
If they measure up, athletes will be matched to their best-suited high-performance sport and connected with elite coaches, expert insights and the support they need to pursue greatness.
This story is the second in RACQ’s series, featuring QAS YouFor2032 ambassadors. The summer edition of The Road Ahead will feature a profile on Natalya Diehm (BMX).
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