BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has joined the Queensland Academy of Sport’s (QAS) Dream Twice Program connecting the academy’s athletes with real-world career opportunities that allow them to still perform at their highest level as an athlete.
@ The Coalface has interviewed many athletes over the years who manage to balance their full-time career with competing in sport at a professional level.
One of those is Maddi Keeney. Maddi is a springboard diver who has competed at World Championships, the Paris Games in 2024 where she won a silver medal in the Women’s 3m Springboard a Bronze medal in Rio in 2016 for the Women’s Synchronised 3m Springboard.
She joined BHP in 2021, and at the time was preparing for the 2021 Olympics but wanted to get into the mining industry. Competing at such a high level meant Maddi’s training commitments were significant so BHP worked with her to design a flexible part time role that allows her to follow both of her dreams.
“Diving will always be part of me, but working at BHP has helped me realise I can have more than one identity.
“I work in Fleet Management for Coal Mining in Queensland, which improves the operational efficiency, safety and productivity of mining activities. We make sure the Mining fleet has maximum availability and therefore production from the back end.
“As athletes, we’re used to pressure, working in teams, and always pushing ourselves. It’s amazing how much that mindset translates in the workplace,” said Maddi.
The partnership between BMA and QAS will see BMA offer flexible employment to current QAS athletes, just like they did with Maddi.
BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Asset President Adam Lancey said athletes make great additions to their mining teams.
“Athletes like Maddi – with their discipline, drive and resilience – bring the kind of thinking and energy that make them great members of our diverse teams.
“With the LA2028 just around the corner and Brisbane 2032 excitement building at home, we’re thrilled to support the development of our athletes and provide opportunities beyond sport.”
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Maunder concurs.
“Queensland athletes are dedicated, disciplined and resilient, and have forged outstanding careers both on and outside the sporting arena. Dream Twice reflects our commitment to backing them both in sport and outside of competition.
“By working with great partners, like BMA, and offering flexible, meaningful employment, we’re giving athletes other career opportunities that they can pursue while training, competing or planning their next chapter,” said Tim.
Image credit: Luke Marsden.
