FAST Running is proud to announce that Daniel Nwaobi has been selected to take part in the Australian Olympic Change-Maker Program and will attend the National Summit in Canberra this Week — an honour recognising secondary-school students who embody the Olympic values of friendship, sportsmanship and striving for excellence both on and off the track.
The program, delivered by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), celebrates young Australians who use sport as a vehicle to inspire others, improve wellbeing and drive positive social change in their schools and communities. From nearly a thousand nominations nationwide, Daniel is one of just a handful of students chosen to represent their state and school at this prestigious national event.
Powering the Change
Through his commitment to sprinting and leadership within FAST Running, Daniel has consistently demonstrated that performance and character go hand-in-hand. Whether mentoring younger athletes during sessions, supporting his peers at competition, or advocating for teamwork and respect, he brings the Olympic spirit to life in every setting.
Head Coach Steve Dodt said Daniel’s selection was richly deserved:
“Daniel leads by example. His drive to be better, not only as an athlete but as a person, captures exactly what FAST Running stands for: Running Excellence on and off the track.”
A Summit of Future Leaders
At the three-day National Summit, Daniel will connect with other Change-Makers from across Australia and hear first-hand from Olympians such as Brooke Hanson OAM OLY, Mack Horton, Sami Kennedy-Sim and Nathan Katz. The Summit provides a platform for students to collaborate, exchange ideas and help shape the future of sport and the Olympic movement in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.
The program’s motto — “Power the Change” — reflects the role these young leaders play in promoting inclusion, wellbeing and the joy of participation through sport.
A Proud Moment for FAST Running
Daniel’s selection adds another chapter to FAST Running’s growing record of developing athletes who make an impact beyond results. His achievement highlights the importance of sport as a catalyst for leadership, friendship and positive community influence.
A Legacy of Leadership and Connection
FAST Running’s connection to the Olympic Movement runs deep. Alumni members Matt Walters and Nathalie Cerritelli were both recipients of the Pierre de Coubertin Award in 2017 and 2018 respectively — the prestigious predecessor to the Australian Olympic Change-Maker Program.
The Pierre de Coubertin Award recognises secondary-school students who demonstrate values consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities. Since its inception in 1993, more than 15,000 young Australians have received the honour — including Matt Walters and Nathalie Cerritelli.
Their stories, like Daniel’s, reflect FAST’s long-standing commitment to nurturing not just great athletes, but great people — individuals who embody Running Excellence in every sense.
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