Ivy eyes Brisbane 2032 through TAFE Queensland Career Taster program

The passionate athlete has spent more than a decade training in Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu, collecting world, national and state titles along the way.

But through TAFE Queensland’s Career Taster Brisbane 2032 program, Ivy is now exploring what a future in sport could look like beyond competition.

“I’ve been doing Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu since I was three years old,” Ivy said.

“In that time, I’ve won world titles, state titles and a national title, because it’s what I’ve been brought up with. I love it so much that I want to make it my career.”

A student at Our Lady’s College, Ivy joined the Career Taster Brisbane 2032 program after speaking with her school’s careers team about her interest in sport and future pathways.

The program introduces secondary students to the diverse range of careers connected to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, giving them hands-on experience exploring careers in sport, psychology, media, broadcasting, Esports and event operations.

For Ivy, the opportunity immediately stood out because of the growing momentum behind Muay Thai's possible introduction to the Olympic stage in 2032.

“From my research, Muay Thai could be part of the Olympics by 2032, so that’s something I can definitely aim to represent Australia at,” she said.

The sport has steadily gained international recognition through the work of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), which achieved full recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 2021.

While Muay Thai is not yet officially included in the Olympic Games, its global growth and increasing alignment with Olympic values continue to strengthen its prospects.

Having already represented Australia at the Amateur World Games and Queensland in multiple combat sports competitions, Ivy is confident and ambitious to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage in 2032.

“Competing at the Olympics would be something I’d love to add. Now, all I can really do is train my hardest and get as many fights as I can,” continued Ivy.

While elite sport remains a major focus, the Career Taster program has also opened Ivy’s eyes to the many career opportunities in the sporting industry, with sports psychology piquing her interest.

“I really enjoyed the psychology session and learning about the role psychology plays in sport fascinates me,” she said.

Ivy said that her experience of TAFE Queensland’s adult learning environment had been overwhelmingly positive from day one.

“My first day here, I went home and raved to my mum about how good TAFE is. I love the format, how the teachers treat us like grown-ups, the practical learning, the theory, and how we get to try everything to figure out what we want to do.”

The program has also connected Ivy with like-minded students through collaborative practical activities and team-based learning experiences.

“My classmates and I get split into teams for practical activities to work together, and I’ve made some good relationships with students from other schools,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ivy plans to continue studying at TAFE Queensland after school, aiming to study a sport qualification while continuing her athletic career.

“I don’t think university is for me, and I want to study at TAFE Queensland after I finish school, and I have my sights set on doing a Diploma of Sport (SIS50321),” she said.

Outside of competition, Ivy is also building experience as a coach, working with children and adults at the family gym, Chikara Martial Arts, which her father has operated for 30 years.

“Taking over the family business one day is something I’d consider. If I can build more knowledge through study, it can really boost my career,” she said.

For students considering their own future pathways, Ivy said TAFE Queensland’s Career Taster program was well worth exploring.

“For anyone who doesn’t know what they want to do after school yet, they should consider Career Tasters.”

“They’re only one term, one day a week, and you get to experience so many different things. I really enjoy it here,” concluded Ivy.