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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Nicole Jeffery

Money or the starter’s gun? AFL and NRL riches remain a lure for Olympic hopefuls

Composite image of Max Holmes (AFL), Maddi Levi (rugby sevens) and Payne Haas (NRL)
AFL and NRL Olympic hopefuls Max Holmes (AFL), Maddi Levi (rugby sevens) and Payne Haas (NRL). Composite: AAP/Getty Images

The teenage sprint prodigy Gout Gout has taken the headlines but Australia had an equally promising and even younger prospect at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima last year. A Sydney schoolboy was the youngest medallist at the event, just 15 when he leaped a personal best of 7.80m to win the bronze medal in the long jump, beating boys up to three years older than him.

But there is no guarantee Mason McGroder will still be competing in athletics when Brisbane 2032 rolls around. The talented youngster is also in the Sydney Swans Academy and could pursue a career in the AFL.

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