It was clear to those around him that Anthony Jordan showed great sporting potential from a young age. And in just a few weeks, the 16-year-old will be living out his dream of representing Australia at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Anthony was born with a congenital arm abnormality, leaving him with a shortened left forearm and no fingers or thumb on his left hand, but he has never let this stand in the way of aiming high.

Growing up, he was a keen cricketer and aspired to play for Australia. Anthony visits the team at the RCH Orthotic and Prosthetic Unit who helped develop cricket prosthetics for him.

But after finding a passion for athletics, Anthony decided to solely focus on the sport and work towards his new aspiration—to represent his country in athletics on the world stage. The RCH team now help Anthony with fitting new prosthetic arms for running.

Anthony is the youngest member of the athletics team and will be looking to claim gold as he boards a flight to Birmingham tomorrow! We had a chat to Anthony to find out more.

What do you visit the RCH for?

I visit the RCH for the making and adjusting of new prosthetic arms, whether that is for running, gym or school sport. This is important as it allows me to do the things I want to do in life and being an elite athlete, allows me train and compete to improve and become the best para-athlete I can be.

How did you get into athletics?

I got into athletics through my first PE teacher in primary school, Mrs G. I was in grade two and she saw the potential I had, specifically long jump, suggesting I get nationally classified as a para-athlete. From there, I trialled athletics and made my first School Sport Victoria team in that same year. I haven’t looked back since.

Has representing Australia always been a goal of yours?

I only found out that the 100m for my classification, T47, would be on the program for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham about a year or two ago. From then the aim was to narrow my focus on the 100m and improve my time so I would get a list spot in the event. My overall goal has always been to make a Paralympic Games.

Where can we catch you in the upcoming Commonwealth Games?

I will be competing in the T47 100m sprint.

From the Orthotic and Prosthetic Unit and entire RCH team—good luck Anthony, we will be cheering for you!