MOLLYMOOK Beach's Harm Schaap has always held dreams of one day pulling on the green and gold of Australian in the sporting arena.
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While the promising middle-distance runner hasn't quite achieved that goal, he's currently participating in the prestigious Australian Olympic change-maker program, which could act as a stepping stone for the 18-year-old to fulfil those dreams or help provide a pathway for the country's next generation.
The Ulladulla High School student is one of just 21 students selected from more than 840 entries, by the panel of Olympians.
"My running coach Andae Kalemusic pointed out the program to me, as she had previous athletes apply for it," Schaap said.
"I took on the opportunity as it seemed like a wonderful experience to be able to share my ideas and gather other Olympians and change makers' ideas.
"I was asked [during the interview process] to answer a few short questions online but mainly it was a one minute video of myself about who I am and what I do for the school and community through my sports.
"I believe, the school also had to send in something about me."
Just over a month after his nomination, Schaap, who was born in Katwijk aan Zee (The Netherlands) before moving to the South Coast in 2009 when he was seven-years-of-age, found out he had been selected.
"I was extremely excited about the opportunity," he said.
"Being selected made me realise I can be a catalyst for change in the community and even for the Olympic committee, which has allowed me to appreciate the world of sports more."
Schaap and his fellow selected students have already participated in two virtual national seminars, held on November 26 and 30, with the third and final one to be held on December 4.
During these sessions, hosted by Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson OAM and featuring Olympians Steve Solomon, Greta Small, Koti Ngawati, Jake Whetton, Steph Moorhouse and Ashleigh Brennan, the students are empowered to provide a vital voice and recommendations on how to maximise the 2032 Olympic Games in Queensland opportunity - looking at sustainability, equality, diversity, regional impact and community spirit.
"During the sessions so far, we have been split into smaller groups to answer questions," he said.
"My group's question is all about what the potential 2032 Olympics in Brisbane can do to support rural areas.
"As a group, we must create a 10-minute video to present to the CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee Matt Carroll."
As well as the group activities, Schaap, who has played Aussie Rules, swimming and surf lifesaving before concentrating on his running, has taken plenty of other positives from the summit.
"I've really enjoyed conversations with Australian track athlete Steve Solomon, as he competes in the same sport as I do," he said.
"It has been interesting listening to the swimmers, gymnasts and alpine skiers, as they are all so motivating and have such a large passion towards their respective sports.
"Just listening to these Olympians and the visions of the other change-makers allows me to see the world of sports differently as everyone has a unique story to tell."
Schaap is joined in the program by fellow change-makers Emma Ilijoski (Lake Ginninderra College), Habitat Ogunbanwo ( St Clare's College Canberra), Kaelan Burke (Lisarow High School), Cara Murray (Riverside Girls High School), Clancy McCormik (O'Loughlin Catholic College), Ryan Dolbel (Chinchilla Christian College), Aidan Luchs (Queensland Academies Health Sciences Campus), Ariella Titman (Moreton Bay College), Tess Kitschke (Jamestown Community School), Luke Bald (Allendale East Area School), Gypsy Schirmer (Wirreanda Secondary School), Freya Downie (The Friends' School), Angus Purtell (Riverside High School), Sophie Carne (Korowa Anglican Girls' School), Lily Vo (Nossal High School), Gabriella Fitzpatrick (Ballarat Clarendon College), Matthew Lim (Glenallen School), Cory Crombie (South West Academy of Sport Inc), Rhiannon Clarke (Mater Dei College) and Courtney Dewing (Narrogin Senior High School) - all of who AOC CEO Carroll has been excited to work with.
"Congratulations to the 2020 Australian Olympic change-makers," Mr Carroll said.
"They have demonstrated the excellent contribution young people can make in their community and the positive change that can be achieved through sport."
"It's been exciting to see these students work with Olympians and hear their voice on the potential for a 2032 Olympic bid.
"Over the next decade these, change-makers will be the planners, medical staff, engineers, builders, entrepreneurs, volunteers and community leaders that will be the heart of any Olympic program."