Dream comes true for Olympic highjumper

Cheer squad: Yual Reath (second from left) has the support of Commerce Ballarat and the business community. He is pictured with CB CEO Jodie Gillett, Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety's Kassy Stabb, CB chair and Sporting Globe operator Anne Alexander and Ferndale Foods' Leigh Edward. Photo: EDWINA WILLIAMS

WENDOUREE Athletics Club highjumper, Yual Reath will compete at the Paris Olympic Games this month with the Australian Olympic Team.

The athlete’s place on the squad was officially announced on Monday morning.

“It was mind blowing to hear, and it felt like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” he said. “Now I’ve got a clear head to get into the next competitions.

“It’s a dream come true, from ranking not even in the top 100 in the world in August to top 12, and now going to the Olympics.

“My coach Paul Cleary has had a belief in me since day one. To be going there, it really is a dream come true for sure.

“I’m going for number one.”

Reath is the ranked number one in Australia and his personal best is two metres, thirty centimetres.

Yual Reath is ranked first in Australia in men’s high jump. Photo: FILE

Family members, friends and the Ballarat business community have been rallying around Reath in recent weeks, raising funds to cover costs for the 23-year-old as he travels in Europe to compete across the continent.

Ferndale Foods Australia is one of the local businesses sponsoring him.

“We believe in supporting individuals who demonstrate perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to family values,” said Leigh Edward, CEO of Ferndale Foods Australia.

“Yual Reath’s story of pursuing his dreams and overcoming challenges to become one of the top high jumpers in the world is truly inspiring.

“We are honoured to support him on his journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

Reath said he is thankful to his sponsors, including Ferndale Foods, many Commerce Ballarat member businesses, and members of the general public.

Ballarat High Jumper Olympics — A dream became reality for Yual Reath on Monday morning. Photo: FILE

“Their belief in me and my journey means a lot, and it provides me with the resources I need to focus on my training and competition,” he said.

“I am excited to represent them.

“The support from Ballarat is unbelievable and I hope the system can start seeing that we’ve got talent in Ballarat. We’ve got the toughest athletes, I reckon.”

Reath will compete in a comp in Monaco before he heads to Paris.

“It will definitely prepare me mentally for the Olympics,” he said.

To donate to Reath’s sponsors fund, search Help send Yual and his coach Paul Clearly to Germany & UK on GoFundMe.