Humans of Kelso High: graduates become sporting stars on international stage

To celebrate this milestone, the school has created a special series, Humans of Kelso High, which was inspired by the well-known Humans of New York project.

From February 2 to 8, the Western Advocate will share the personal stories captured by the project.

In part three of the series, we're taking a look at some of the students who have made names for themselves in sport, including competing at an international level.

Keep an eye out for part four, where more sporting stars will be highlighted.

To see previous parts of the Humans of Kelso High Series, click the following links: Part 1 (Science, engineering and environment) | Part 2 (Health)

Kelso's own Tameika Clarke is making waves in women's rugby league, earning selection for the NSW Combined High Schools (NSW CHS) Under 18s team.

Representing her region at the ASSRL Championship, Clarke showcased her skill as a five-eighth, taking on the best young talent from across the country. The CHS side went undefeated throughout the tournament.

Before her NSW CHS success, Clarke impressed as a member of the Western Rams, a regional representative side, where she quickly became recognised as a rising star.

She has also shone at the club level, competing with teams including Bathurst Panthers JRL Under 16s, Panorama Platypi Under 16s, and Emu Plains Under 17/1 Girls, consistently contributing to her teams' strong performances.

Clarke's achievements highlight the strength of women's rugby league in regional NSW and her potential for future representative honours.

Her dedication and skill continue to inspire young athletes across the Bathurst area and beyond.

Gavin Coles, a professional golfer from Bathurst, has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over two decades on the international golf circuit.

After graduating in 1986, from Kelso High, and qualifying with the Australian PGA in 1993, Coles secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 2002 Jacobs Creek Open.

In 2003, he made his debut on the US 2nd-tier PGA Tour, finishing 13th and earning $189,000, which qualified him for the US PGA Tour.

That year, he also placed 5th at the Australian Open and narrowly missed victory in a playoff at the Australian Masters.

In 2004, he won the New Zealand Open and finished 3rd on the Australian Order of Merit.

Coles has competed extensively on the US Nationwide/Korn Ferry Tour, earning multiple victories, and has appeared on the PGA Tour in several seasons.

Now a member of the PGA Tour Champions, he continues to compete at the highest levels while also sharing his expertise as an elite golf instructor, helping players refine and rebuild their swings.

Gavin Coles' career exemplifies dedication, consistency, and excellence in professional golf, both in Australia and internationally.

Fifteen-year-old Lucy Downey, proudly hailing from Bathurst, has earned selection onto the Australian Dragon Boat National Youth Team - the Auroras - to compete at the 2025 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Brandenburg, Germany.

This prestigious honor reflects her dedication to the sport and her emerging leadership on the water Lucy's journey to the national stage began at her local club, the Bathurst Pan Dragons, where she developed her paddling skills and competitive instincts.

She further sharpens her technique by training with the Sydney Zodiacs youth team, demonstrating commitment through long-distance travel and early morning sessions alongside academic obligations.

Actively competing across NSW, Lucy represents both clubs in regattas statewide, which is testament to her adaptability, teamwork, and competitive drive.

Her selection for the Auroras isn't just a personal triumph, it's also a reminder that representing one's country comes with substantial financial commitment.

As dragon boating remains largely self-funded, Lucy is seeking community support to cover the costs of camps, travel, accommodation, uniforms, equipment, and other essentials required to compete internationally

Lucy's dedication, tenacity, and passion for dragon boat racing underscore the level of talent emerging from regional Australia.

She carries not only her own aspirations, but also the pride of her local clubs and community onto the global stage.

A proud graduate of Kelso High School (1998), Toireasa Gallagher was recognised early in her career with the Devro Junior Sportsperson Award in both 1996 and 1998 and named NSW Country Cyclist of the Year in 1996.

By 1997, she had already achieved a top ten finish at the World Championships.

Her professional career took off with a contract in the Netherlands in 2000, followed by a bronze medal at the Oceania Championships in 2001.

Gallagher went on to pilot tandem events with distinction, claiming a gold medal at the Paralympics World Championship in the Tandem Sprint, two silver medals at the Athens 2004 Paralympics, and silver and bronze medals at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.

She set the Tandem One Hour World Record in 2005, earned multiple world titles in 2006 including the Pursuit and Road Race in Switzerland, and capped off 2007 with an extraordinary haul of eight gold, five silver, and four bronze medals at the Arafura Games and at state and national championships.

Her achievements were recognised locally when she was twice named Bathurst Senior Sportsperson of the Year in 2002 and 2004.

Since retiring from elite international competition, Toireasa has remained deeply involved in the local cycling community.

She currently serves as coach for the Bathurst Cycling Club's junior track and road programs, mentoring the next generation of cyclists and inspiring young athletes to reach their potential.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to cycling, she was awarded Life Membership by AusCycling in 2023, underscoring her enduring influence on the sport.

She also continues to participate in club events, sharing her experience and passion for cycling with the wider Bathurst community.

Reflecting on her journey, she said: "To represent Bathurst and Australia at the highest levels of cycling has been an incredible honour. Every medal and every race was not just for me, but for the community that supported my journey. Now, being able to give back through coaching and mentoring the next generation is deeply rewarding."

Toireasa's story continues to inspire athletes of all ages in Bathurst and beyond, highlighting the values of resilience, dedication, and teamwork that define Paralympic sport and community leadership.