PRESS RELEASE: Next Gen Flyers: How Aussie Kids Are Taking to the Skies Indoors
From screens to sky tunnels, meet the rising stars of Australia’s fastest-growing sport
Sydney, Australia: While most kids are glued to their devices, a new generation of Australians are flipping, flying and freefalling, no planes required. As the 2025 Australian Indoor Skydiving Championships prepare for take-off from 8 to 10 August at iFLY Downunder in Penrith, it’s the youngest competitors who are turning heads and redefining flight.
Across the junior divisions, athletes as young as eight will compete in synchronised routines and precision manoeuvres, soaring inside a 16ft glass tunnel with wind speeds up to 200km/h. And while the visuals are jaw-dropping, it’s the athleticism and dedication that truly impress.
“You’re watching kids who move like dancers, think like strategists and fly like professionals,” said Kyle Chick, General Manager at iFLY Downunder and former VFS Gold Medallist. “It’s not just a spectacle, it’s serious skill, and many of these young flyers have what it takes to go all the way.”
Some of the standout junior flyers include:
• Annabella-Angel Bailey (Gold Coast) – A former gymnast who discovered bodyflight during injury recovery. Now one of Australia’s top young freestyle flyers.
• Lucas and Leo (Illawong/Menai) – Close friends and junior ambassadors turned friendly rivals, now captaining separate 4-way formation teams.
• Cairo and Xavie Golsby-Smith (Northern Beaches) – Brothers who watched their dad compete in 2015 and are now competing themselves.
• Carissa and Lachlan (Penrith) – Siblings with a decade of flight experience, now competing in the 2-way VFS category.
For many young athletes, the tunnel becomes more than a sport – it’s a space for confidence, movement and purpose.
“We see kids come in unsure, and within weeks they’re transformed,” said Lauren Hearn, Assistant Manager at iFLY Downunder. “It gives them ownership, expression, and a real sense of belonging.”
That feeling is shared by the athletes themselves.
“Flying makes me feel free,” said Doni Gales, iFLY instructor and freestyle competitor. “Seeing the next generation come through, kids like Annabella or Leo, it’s inspiring. They remind us why we started.”
The 2025 Championships are free for the public to attend and will be livestreamed globally to an audience of over 500,000. With increasing support to see indoor skydiving recognised as an Olympic discipline, Australia’s young flyers could soon be representing the nation on the world stage.
The Australian Indoor Skydiving Championships 2025:
When: 8th – 10th August 2025
Where: iFLY Indoor Skydiving Downunder, 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith
Livestream: ifly.com.au/aoisc
FREE ENTRY TO THE PUBLIC
For interviews, athlete profiles, or further details, contact:
Amanda Kuhn, Missy Mischief Creative | [email protected] | 0410 570 993
