SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING: Deanna Lockett has today been named as one of five of Australia’s best young aspiring athletes.

Lockett, who is in contention for the Sochi Winter Olympics, has been given the unique and invaluable opportunity to receive mentoring from one of the nation’s greatest athletes in her sport, Steve Bradbury, as part of The 2014 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
 
Lockett is joined by Aaron Nottle (BMX), Holly Ferling (cricket), Maddison Elliott (AWD swimming) and Madelaine Leydin (gymnastics) as the five lucky athletes to be chosen out 170 outstanding applicants.

In addition to Bradbury, the other mentors include two-time Olympic gold medallists in swimming Susie O’Neill and Kieren Perkins, seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley and two-time Olympic gold medallist in hockey, Liane Tooth.

The scholarships are awarded to aspiring athletes under the age of 21 to help them reach the highest levels of their sport by providing encouragement and funding over a 12 month period.

“The Scholarship and Mentoring Program is a unique program that excites recipients by offering them unrivalled access to Members of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame,” said John Bertrand AM, Chairman of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Lockett will be presented with her scholarship at The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Annual Induction and Awards Gala Dinner on 10 October in Melbourne.

With the Sochi Games less than five months away, Lockett is focused on qualification right now, with the first of four World Cups getting underway this Thursday 26 September in Shanghai, China.

Keep up to date on her progress on olympics.com.au and via social @AUSOlympicTeam