MOUNT Gambier speedway driver Mitchell Broome is about to head off to the Australian Institute of Sport on a week-long program designed to improve his overall profile in and out of the sport.
Broome currently races in the wingless class, while attending university at Warrnambool, studying financial planning and accounting.
Last year he applied for a position in the program – for drivers aged between 16 and 23 – and was successful.
While it may seem like a strange place for a speedway driver to go, the sport can be tough on the body, requiring a level of fitness many people may not appreciate.
But there is more to the program than just physical fitness.
“I think about 20 of us are going to the Australian Institute of Sport where they will teach us about nutrition and how to keep our bodies right,” Broome said.
“They help us with our training to keep fitter in the cars, but there is also a lot of promotional work – how to promote yourself better and work with sponsors.
“I’m really looking forward to it … not many people get to do it.”
Broome went through a rigorous application in October last before he was given the green light.
“I had to go onto their web site and fill out the application,” he said.
“You had to present them with a document that explains who you are, what you have already done and what you have planned for the future, plus what you are doing outside of speedway as well.”
Broome said he was pleased to be able to attend the AIS and hoped to take plenty away from the week.
