Lexie Brown’s journey from a local playing field in Nambucca to the global stage of the 2025 Para World Championships in New Delhi is nothing short of extraordinary.
Lexie was discovered at the North Coast Academy of Sport’s (NCAS) UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day (ITID) in July. When asked about her future goals, she didn’t hesitate: “I want to go to the Paralympics.” Recognising her exceptional talent, Lexie was selected for both the NCAS Future Stars program and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) Para – Athlete Program, which partners with Paralympics Australia. These initiatives are designed to provide greater access and support for talented regional athletes, helping them reach their full potential.
In just 12 months and at only 14 years of age, Lexie has competed in the open division of both State and National Athletics Championships in the 100m and 200m events. She has broken multiple State and National records, earning her place on the Australian Para Athletics team for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, set to take place in just a few weeks. As the youngest member of the current squad, Lexie’s rapid rise is a powerful testament to the impact of inclusive pathways and the vital role grassroots talent development plays in uncovering and nurturing future champions.
Her rise was celebrated on Saturday in Sawtell at the 2025 NCAS Awards, where she received the dual honours of being named the 2025 Athlete of the Year as well as Athlete of the Year with a Disability – both prestigious honours that recognise not only her athletic excellence but also the impact of the programs that helped launch her career.
Lexie’s story is a testament to the success of the UAA-sponsored ITID program and the support Regional Academies’ programs can provide, guiding her and her family through a whirlwind year of growth, opportunities, and elite performance. A key turning point in her development came when she was connected with Zenon Kowalczyk, a high-level sprinting and jumping coach based in Ballina, after previously having no formal athletics coaching. His mentorship has been instrumental in her progress over the past 12 months.
Sue Charles, Regional Manager of the North Coast Academy of Sport, commented:
“Lexie’s rise is a powerful vindication of our Indigenous Talent ID program. It proves that when we invest in identifying and nurturing athletes from underrepresented communities, we uncover extraordinary potential that might otherwise remain hidden. Lexie went from being unknown in a small town to representing Australia on the world stage, and that’s exactly why programs like ours exist. We’re here to create pathways, to give visibility to talent that deserves to shine, and to ensure that no promising athlete is left behind simply because they weren’t seen.”
As Lexie prepares to fly out for her first international competition next week, her story serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent is met with opportunity and the right support. She’s inspiring a generation and redefining what’s possible for young athletes across regional Australia.
