Otago athletes striving to make it on the big stage had their first two Pathway to Podium (P2P) workshops in Dunedin last night.
The P2P programme, which aims to help more New Zealanders succeed on the world stage, was launched for the latest intake of athletes at the HPSNZ building.
Thirty-five athletes from 11 sports, including Oamaru swimmer Isobel Ryan and King's High School athlete Felix McDonald, are in the latest intake.
Athletes have to be identified as having the ability to progress to the world stage to be selected for the programme.
P2P co-ordinator Natalie Fraser said the programme provided the athletes with support in nutrition, mental skills, athlete life, strength and conditioning services and an individual performance plan.
''Effectively, it's a two-year programme, but athletes have to be re-selected for their second year,'' she said.
''So, making sure they attend workshops and are tracking forwards in terms of their development.''
Athletes will be offered regular workshops, which will be run in Dunedin and Wanaka, throughout the next year.
Pathway to Podium
Otago athletes
Felix McDonald (athletics), Lachlan McGregor, Ellesse Andrews (cycling), Jamie Hume, Jennifer O'Connell (netball), Tom Cylma, Emma Weith, Anna Watson-Taylor, Davina Waddy, Ella Greenslade, Hugo Elworthy, Phillip Wilson, Andrew Potter (rowing), Rian Sanerive (sevens), Caitlin Deans, Isobel Ryan, Hamish McLean (swimming), Maddie McLean (hockey), Jonathan Brownjohn, Caitlin Dore (para athletics), Tiarn Colins, Mitchel Davern, Zoi Synnott, Fletcher Craig, Ronan Thompson, Lachlan Blackmore, Anton Cousins, Ben Harrington, Manu Barnard, Maggie Little, Kristal Roberts, Corrah Phillips, Duncan Campbell, Sam Christie (snow sports), Fynn Thompson (triathlon).
