For International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate Tahlia, an inspiring leader in Gippsland’s sporting community who is actively #AcceleratingAction for gender equality in sport. A passionate athlete, instructor, mentor, and club leader, Tahlia has dedicated her life to empowering women and girls to move, compete, and challenge themselves in sport.
A Passion for Running & Community Connection
Tahlia’s love for running is more than just personal achievement—it’s about encouraging others to get active, no matter their experience level. A proud member of the Wonthaggi Road Runners, she has competed in races of all distances, with two standout moments in her running journey:
- Completing the Melbourne Marathon Festival Half Marathon—twice! Crossing the finish line inside the MCG is a feeling she will never forget.
- Taking on her first trail run at The Rollercoaster Run, tackling 12km of intense hills through the Dandenong Ranges—a true test of resilience!
Beyond racing, Tahlia loves sharing the joy of movement with her daughter, often running alongside her while she rides her bike. She proves that fitness and family can go hand in hand, inspiring future generations to embrace active lifestyles.
Breaking Barriers in Judo
For the past 25 years, Tahlia has been an instructor, committee member, and leader at the Sang-Rok Judo Club, where she has worked tirelessly to create inclusive spaces for women in martial arts.
- Black Belt & National-Level Competitor – A Victorian and Australian representative, Tahlia has competed on some of the highest stages in judo.
- Victorian Kata Team Member – Always looking for new challenges, she continues to push her limits in competitive kata.
- Judo Victoria Kata Commission – As part of this leadership group, Tahlia mentors and teaches judo to athletes across multiple clubs.
- Women’s Self-Defence & Judo Instructor – Committed to empowering women through self-defence, Tahlia has led women-only classes that help participants build confidence and strength.
For Tahlia, judo is more than just a sport—it’s a lifelong community. She has even had the privilege of training and teaching both of her daughters on the mat, passing down her love for the sport to the next generation.
Encouraging Women & Girls to Try Something New
Tahlia’s impact isn’t limited to the dojo—she is also a club committee member for the Inverloch Windsurfing Club, where she is passionate about encouraging girls to get out on the water and try windsurfing. She knows firsthand that stepping into a new sport can be intimidating, but with the right support, women and girls can discover confidence, adventure, and joy in movement.
When she’s not on the water or the mat, you might also find her on a paddleboard, attempting to surf, or supporting GippSport workshops and programs—championing inclusion and opportunity for women and girls across Gippsland.
#AccelerateAction for Women in Sport
Tahlia is proof that sport is for everyone, and that every woman and girl deserves the opportunity to try, learn, and thrive. Whether she’s leading a judo class, running through the hills, or inspiring women to take on new challenges in windsurfing, she embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day 2025.
For IWD 2025, let’s celebrate trailblazing women like Tahlia, who remind us that stepping outside our comfort zones is where the real growth happens.
Join us in celebrating Tahlia’s story and encouraging more women and girls to get involved in sport!
