Ambassadors - Education Ministers Running Challenge

Challenge ambassadors

The challenge is boosted by the support of an illustrious group of Australian athletes and role models.

The challenge ambassador squad features some of the country’s most beloved and successful professionals in their field.

The ambassadors provide support and encouragement to runners participating in the challenge by;

attending activations at schools
sharing motivational tips and words of encouragement
leading by example through their performance at sporting competitions and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games
appearing as guests on Department of Education podcast, Ed Talks WA
appearing as guest speakers on InspirEd.

Find out more about our incredible challenge ambassadors below.

Meet the ambassadors

Annabel Johnson

West Coast Eagles AFLW

The Eagles gained emerging defender Annabel Johnson after reaching a three-way trade with Geelong and Brisbane in the 2023 trade period. The 23-year-old debuted for the Cats in season six, before the bright start to her career was cut short with a foot injury. Johnson made a successful return and suited up in every game in season seven, her intercept marking was outstanding amongst other defenders in the League, and she was named in the extended 22Under22 squad at the conclusion of the season. The Echuca product played in the season-opener for the 2023 season, but unfortunately suffered a knee injury that saw her sidelined for the remainder of the year. Johnson’s soccer background has proved beneficial in her football career, helping her to read the play better than almost any player in the competition and she will be a welcome and handy inclusion to the Eagles backline in 2024.

Lauren Wakfer

West Coast Eagles AFLW

All-Australian ruck Lauren Wakfer is a state-bred talent with the ability to present as a fourth midfielder. Her capacity to win the ball at stoppages and dispose cleanly makes her one of the most exciting tall players in the competition. Working hard defensively and presenting well up forward helps the 20-year-old take advantage of less mobile rucks with athleticism and an impressive vertical leap. Wakfer made her AFLW debut in round one of the 2023 season and played a pivotal role in all 10 games last year. She was recognised for her standout performance in round five against Port Adelaide with a Rising Star nomination.

Bailey

School Sport WA

Bicton Primary School student Bailey is the definition of an all-rounder. During winter, her focus is hockey, where she has recently been selected for the WA State U12's side. In summer, she turns her attention to surf lifesaving and athletics. Bailey took home seven medals at the 2024 Surf Lifesaving WA Nipper State Championships, including the beach sprint and 1km run. Her last athletics season saw the 11-year-old win silver in the state relay, as well as winning her school cross-country, 100m, 200m and 400m events. The up-and-comer has been named school champion girl for her age group for several years running and shows no signs of slowing down.

Amy Lawton

Australian field hockey Olympian

At just 17 years old Amy Lawton debuted with the Hockeyroos Australian hockey team. She made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (in 2021) and competed again at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where the team took home the silver medal. Amy’s performances earned her a nomination for the Junior World Player of the Year and her strong form continued in 2023 as the Hockeyroos finished third in the Women’s International Pro League. She was also awarded a Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) Tier 1 scholarship.

Amy is committed to increasing female participation in hockey and is actively involved in coaching young players. She is also studying for a bachelor of prosthetics and orthotics at Melbourne’s La Trobe University. Seen as an emerging star of world hockey and a player who is key to the Hockeyroos’ medal hopes, Amy is keen to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Sean Darcy

Fremantle Dockers AFL

After ending 2023 with ankle surgery, the 203cm ruckman has been building back towards a full training program early in the pre-season. Fresh off extending his contract until the end of 2030, Darcy will continue to develop his craft as one of the most formidable ruckmen in the competition after enjoying a career high 58 hit-outs against Carlton in round 17 last year. Darcy will work closely with fellow big man Luke Jackson to further grow their partnership as one of the most formidable ruck duos in the AFL.

Josh Corbett

Fremantle Dockers AFL

Corbett enters his second season with the Club after being traded from the Gold Coast SUNS in 2022. Corbett faced an interrupted 2023, only playing 5 games in the senior side. The 27-year-old has been placed on the club’s long-term injury list and will miss the 2024 season due to a hip injury that required surgery. The key position player has begun his rehabilitation and will continue to work towards a return in 2025.