Kyle Vander-Kuyp

Kyle Vander-Kuyp is a Worimi and Yuin man and one of Australia’s greatest hurdlers. He set the still-standing Australian 110-metre hurdles record of 13.29 seconds at the 1995 World Championships in Göteborg. Across a career spanning more than a decade, he won 12 senior national hurdles titles, competed in four World Championships and four Commonwealth Games, and represented Australia at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Kyle’s influence extends well beyond elite sport. He has long committed himself to community development, youth empowerment and cultural advocacy. His work includes mentoring through the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience, serving as a role model for Red Dust programs, and acting as an Indigenous Ambassador for the federal human services portfolio. In 2017 he became Indigenous Engagement Manager with the Schiavello Group, helping build meaningful employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the construction industry. He is also a member of Athletics Australia’s First Nations and Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group.

His life story, including early experiences of racism and adoption, fuels his dedication to inspiring young people. Speaking about the importance of visibility and opportunity for Indigenous youth, he reflected: “It shows that you can come from anywhere and make your dreams a reality.” He also affirms the strength of his cultural identity, saying: “I’m Aboriginal, I’m Australian, I’m proud to be both.”

Kyle Vander-Kuyp remains a powerful advocate for culture, community and the next generation of athletes.