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Kylie seeks sponsorship |
Champion hurdler Kylie Wildman, of Woy Woy, has been selected among 400 semi-finalists for a $25,000 sponsorship of a project of their dreams.
Ms Wildman is attempting to win the award to pay for flights home from America to compete in the National Titles in Australia.
"I first entered the competition while in the United States, a few months ago," Ms Wildman said.
She is now one of the 400 semi-finalists out of more than 4000 entrants.
"I couldn't believe it when I received the letter, I didn't really think I had a chance," Ms Wildman said.
The 15 finalists will be announced on July 13.
"I am currently studying at university in California, on a track and field scholarship, so I am back in Australia just for holidays.
"The money would be of great benefit to my track and field.
"I am trying to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in the 100m hurdles, so the money would take the load off financially and would allow me to travel back to Australia for the National Championships and the Commonwealth Games trials."
Before moving to the United States Ms Wildman competed in the Australian national championships every year from Year 6 to Year 12, winning 10 national medals including three gold, two silver and five bronze.
Ms Wildman produced two world under-18 qualifying times and three NSW state record times.
Ms Wildman said she had been consistently ranked in the top six in the nation for the past six years in the hurdles and top three in NSW.
"I am currently completing my university degree in the US, which will take between four to six years," Ms Wildman said.
"During that time I will continue to train and compete.
"However in order to be selected in the 2006 Australian Commonwealth games and the 2008 Australian Olympic team you need to compete in the national titles in Australia.
"This means I need to fly back to Australia for those competitions, which are approximately $3000 return.
"My track and field scholarship pays for my university degree though does not pay for my living expenses such as rent, food and groceries.
"The $25,000 would allow me to concentrate on my hurdles and education without the stress of working.
"It would also allow me to travel back to important competitions in Australia to be seen by selectors, in order to gain selection."
Ms Wildman was the only-Peninsula based resident to be selected among the semi-finalists in the 16th annual Nescafe Big Break competition.
Ms Wildman will now have to put together a detailed submission to the judges.
Finalists will present their ideas to the judges, including previous winners of Nescafé Big Break, who will determine who wins the $5000 and $25,000 cash awards.
The $50,000 Nescafé Big Break major prize winner will then be decided by a public vote.
Finalists will be announced on the Nescafe Big Break website on Wednesday, July 13.
Press release, June 6 B Wildman, Gilly Southworth, Robin Smith Communications