Olympian Jackson Collins thanks Abundance Global after Paris 2024 silver medal win

In his Green and Gold debut, Queensland sprint kayaker Jackson Collins paddled his way to a silver medal - showing strength and determination on the world stage.

But it wouldn’t have been possible without the fundraising efforts of Brisbane firm Abundance Global, who donated $10,000 to his personal journey through our $1 Million Challenge, powered by Ampol.

The initiative aims to raise $1 million for 100 aspiring athletes annually, with individuals matched to businesses that help them raise $10,000 each.

Jackson, 25, who followed in the footsteps of his father Dan Collins – a four-time Olympian and two-time medallist in kayaking - continued the family legacy when he came second as part of the men’s K4 500 metre team.

The victory marked the end of a hard road for the former Gold Coast Suns Academy and rookie Sydney Swans player, who was forced to abandon his AFL dream in 2018 after a string of knee injuries.

He said the $1 Million Challenge meant he was able to take time off work in the lead up to The Games to focus solely on his performance as an athlete.

“Without the funding I probably wouldn’t have got to Paris,” he said.

“I was training full days so I would have had to take a night job in a bar or stacking shelves, which would have made things pretty impossible.

“If I hadn’t been able to train like I did we wouldn’t have had the incredible result that we had.

“As well as financial support, the AAF also provides additional help and has taught me how to deal with sponsors and cope with life after sport.

“I probably will go for one more Olympics, but I’m also studying a Bachelor of Business, majoring in financial planning and accounting, at Griffith University.

“It’s important for me to have a career lined up when I finish competing.”

For Dr David Dugan, world renowned business coach and founder of Abundance Global, supporting Jackson’s journey was a no-brainer.

A former athlete himself, he is well aware of the financial pressures facing sportspeople. 

Twenty-two years ago, he was forced to retire from the ‘modern pentathlon’ (a multisport that currently consists of fencing, freestyle swimming, equestrian show jumping, laser pistol shooting, and cross country running), because of financial reasons.

“The $1 Million Challenge really resonated with me,” he said.

“I went to the World Championships as part of the support team and then I was asked by my coach to choose between my career or sport,” he said.

“There was no way to generate the income that the modern pentathlon required so for financial reasons I decided I couldn’t compete.

“We have a saying we use here, ‘To whom much is open, much is expected’.

“It’s one thing for someone to represent their country but to know that you have contributed to them getting there makes it all worthwhile that’s for sure.”

Abundance Global, which has its headquarters in West End, raised $55,000 for the AAF at a gala event at the end of 2023, and when Dr Dugan heard about Jackson’s personal journey, the firm donated the $10,000 he needed for Paris 2024 preparation.

Now he’s encouraging other businesses to show their support by joining the $1 Million Challenge.

He said: “Jackson is the epitome of a winner in our eyes and represents business owners so well because despite his setbacks he has constantly evolved. It’s really great to see.

“We all take a pride in our athletes but there is not enough of an understanding out there of what it takes to get there.

“There is a huge opportunity for us to spread the word to other businesses to get involved. The more we can do to support athletes on their Green and Gold journey the better.”

Abundance Global’s CEO and business coach Fusun Batey said the firm’s journey with AAF was just beginning.

“Abundance Global is dedicated to helping people scale their businesses, improve their lives, and make an inspiring impact,” she said.

“Jackson’s story resonated with us and also with our members. We plan to do a lot more for AAF, not only in fundraising but also in coaching and mentoring the athletes to assist in their growth.”

Athletes and businesses/organisations can get involved in the Aussie Athlete Fund today by clicking here.