Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh AM will mentor rising ILCA 7 star Steffan Shircore-Elliott, after the Perth sailor was announced this week as a Tier 1 Recipient of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) Scholarship and Mentoring Program.

The program will provide Stefan and five other Tier 1 Scholarship holders with unrivalled access to mentoring support from six of Australia’s most successful sporting greats, who will volunteer their time over 14 months.

Having achieved fantastic success as a Laser Radial (ICLA 6) sailor – including winning Gold at the 2020 Oceania Championships – Stefan recently made the decision to switch classes ILCA 7. This transition rewarded him with almost immediate success, as he placed second at the U21 European Championships in France last year.
Stefan is excited and honoured to receive the opportunity to be mentored by cricket legend Steve Waugh AM. 

“Being mentored by Steve Waugh will provide me with an incredible opportunity to glean from his experience, wisdom and expertise. I have no doubt that his guidance will be a significant steppingstone in my journey, and I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity I’ve been afforded,” said Stefan.

One of six mentors, Waugh is looking forward to the opportunity, stating that he is excited to share his knowledge and see the improvements that flow from their conversations. Other mentors in the program include Nat Cook OAM (Beach Volleyball), Sharon Buchanan OAM (Hockey), Barton Lynch (Surfing), Leisel Jones OAM (Swimming) and Luc Longley AM (Basketball).

Australian Sailing’s Chief Executive Officer Ben Houston congratulated Stefan on his achievement.

“Australian Sailing is thrilled to acknowledge Stefan Elliott-Shircore’s appointment as a very deserving recipient of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program. This is an invaluable opportunity for Stefan to obtain firsthand life lessons and sporting insights directly from one of Australia’s greatest sporting legends,” said Houston.

“Stefan is very fortunate to have this once in a lifetime opportunity and Australian Sailing is grateful to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame for offering this invaluable initiative.”

The nation’s leading sports scholarship program, which is supported by Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport, awards 32 scholarships and $150,000 in funding annually to support future sporting stars in their quest for excellence and success on the world stage.

Since the unique Scholarship & Mentoring Program’s inception in 2006, SAHOF has benefited 173 athletes and distributed more than $700,000 in funding. Stefan is the seventh sailor to be included in the program, with past sailors including the likes of Olympians Nia Jerwood and Olivia Price.

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair and legend of Australian Sport, John Bertrand AO, said that the Scholarship and Mentoring Program clearly demonstrates the uniting power that sport holds. “Our athletes having direct access to Australia’s best is priceless, and to have them paired with a mentee from a different sport is one of a kind.”

The SAHOF Scholarship & Mentoring Program is supported by both the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport.

Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Chair, Josephine Sukkar AM, said the ASC was proud to support the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program, stating that it is inspiring to see so many young, talented and determined athletes be recognized.

“As we enter the green-and-gold decade of major international sporting events on home soil, this financial support will no doubt provide extra incentive for young athletes to help them chase their sporting dreams.” Said Sukkar.

For more information on Stefan and the other scholarship recipients, click here.