At just 14 years of age, Jade Milne-Parry has already enjoyed the sort of success about which most athletes merely dream.
She’s a taekwondo natural.
Milne-Parry has won eight Victorian junior championships and five national junior titles, her trophy cabinet filling steadily.
“My brothers started doing taekwondo when I was younger so I thought I should start doing it, too,” Milne-Parry says.
“They have quit, but I kept going. I train every night except Wednesdays. I would say my flexibility is probably my main strength.”
Milne-Parry so dominates Australia she has to search far and wide for adequate competition.
In the past three years she has claimed bronze medals at the Indonesian Open and at the Mt Everest Open in Nepal.
Late last year she competed at the cadet world titles in Azerbaijan.
“When I first started competing overseas it was a bit nerve-wracking but I’m getting used to it,” Milne-Parry said. “It’s always a great experience.
“The world championships have probably been my favourite event. There were so many different countries there and I met heaps of people. It was just really fun.”
Milne-Parry trains at renowned taekwondo centre Fighting Lyons in Essendon North.
Now in year 8, she attends specialised sports school Maribyrnong College.
“I love Maribyrnong,” she said. “I’ve been there since year 7. We do morning training from six until eight o’clock. After school we do normal training as well.”
Milne-Parry, who competes in the under-55-kilogram division, is setting some big long-term goals, with going to the Olympics her ultimate aim.
For 2015, Milne-Parry has her sights set on a strong showing at the world cadet championships, to be held in South Korea in August.
Don Deeble Rising Star award
For her outstanding achievements, Milne-Parry has been named as a monthly nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award.
The award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club in conjunction with Star Weekly.
Milne-Parry will receive $1000 donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club and other prizes to assist in attaining her sports goals.
The Don Deeble Rising Star award recognises young athletes in the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state or national level.
To nominate someone for the Don Deeble Rising Star Award, email ltwomey@mmpgroup.com.au.
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