McGroder chooses AFL over athletics after losing world gold by one centimetre
Mason McGroder chose an AFL career after jumping 7.96m at the World Under-20 Championships.
Sydney Academy prospect Mason McGroder has nominated for next week's AFL draft, setting aside a glittering athletics career. In August, the 17-year-old competed in the World Under-20 Championships in Oregon, leaping a personal best 7.96 metres in long jump.
McGroder finished second, missing gold by just one centimetre. The loss still haunts him.
Despite offers of lucrative college scholarships in the US with lucrative sponsorship deals, McGroder decided football would be his path. He was also tempted by the prospect of competing for Australia at the Olympics, but chose not to pursue it.
At the recent draft combine, McGroder impressed with elite athleticism: fastest in the 20-metre sprint at 2.827 seconds and second in the vertical jump. Clubs believe he could enter the top 25 picks.
- 17 years old
- Age
- One centimetre
- Gold margin lost
- 2.827 seconds in 20-metre sprint, fastest
- Draft combine sprint
Why it mattersMcGroder's decision ends uncertainty over one of Australia's most talented young athletes and shapes his professional future.
AustraliaAn elite Australian athlete is choosing AFL over the Olympics, altering the composition of both the football and athletics talent pools.
