One of the Northern Rivers’ rising sporting talents is preparing to make her Commonwealth Games debut, with Wollongbar teenager Ayla Kowalczyk set to represent Australia in the women’s T37/38 long jump final at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games on Friday.

The 15-year-old Ballina Allstars Athletics Club athlete has spent the past week in Barcelona with the Australian team at a pre-Games training camp before heading to Scotland. At just 15, she is one of the youngest members of Australia’s athletics team.

Her selection completes an extraordinary journey that has included a broken ankle just months before team selection.

Ayla first discovered her love of athletics through school carnivals before joining Ballina Allstars at around nine years of age.

“I enjoyed the challenge of racing and field events, and I quickly became passionate about improving my performances and competing with other athletes,” she said.

She competed as an able-bodied athlete until she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 12. Rather than ending her sporting ambitions, the diagnosis led her into para athletics, making her debut in the T38 classification at 14.

“While the transition presented new challenges and misconceptions, it also opened the door to incredible opportunities and allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for athletics at a higher level,” she said.

“I have since experienced significant success and progression. I would not have been able to achieve this without competing with my friends.”»

And success has come quickly for the teenager.

In recent years Ayla has broken the Australian Under-15 T38 100 metres record (14.43 seconds), the Australian Under-15 T38 long jump record (4.18 metres) and the Australian Under-17 T38 long jump record (4.55 metres), establishing herself as one of Australia’s most exciting young para-athletes.

Her biggest challenge came in November 2025 when she fractured her ankle during the Commonwealth Games qualification period.

“The injury significantly impacted my training, but through hard work and determination I was able to return to competition and set a new personal best just a few months later,” she said.

Like many Northern Rivers athletes, Ayla also faced months of wet weather that left local training facilities, including Ballina’s long jump pit, unusable for extended periods.

Her rapid improvement earned her selection in the Australian team earlier this year.

“Being selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games at just 15 years old is incredibly special,” she said.

“Wearing the green and gold and competing for my country is something I had dreamed about for many years. Being selected as one of the youngest athletes on the Australian team is a proud moment for both me and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey.”

Behind much of her success has been her father and coach, Zenon Kowalczyk.

“He has supported me throughout every stage of my journey and has played a major role in shaping me into the athlete and person I am today,” Ayla said.

The Ballina Allstars athlete will line up against an experienced international field on Friday, but regardless of the result, her appearance is already a proud milestone her and everyone who supports her.

Photo courtesy of Australian Athletics: Wollongbar teenager Ayla Kowalczyk is set to represent Australia in the women’s T37/38 long jump final at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games on Friday.