KAI FLAMBERT'S WIMBLEDON ADVENTURE

Fourteen-year-old Kai Flambert recently spent two unforgettable weeks as a ball boy at Wimbledon, standing just metres away from some of the world's best players.

- BY TINA EDWARD GUNAWARDHANA

A lifelong tennis fan, Kai leapt at the chance when his school held trials-competing with 160 others and training for months before making the final cut. Selected as a Centre, he mastered rules, positioning, fitness, and discipline, working 10-12 hour days in the heat while staying laser-focused. Teamwork was key, and the experience taught him resilience and ambition. "It's a huge stepping stone," Kai says. "I've learned I can reach for bigger things-and I will."

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO APPLY TO BECOME A BALL BOY AT WIMBLEDON? WAS IT A LOVE FOR TENNIS, THE EXCITEMENT OF BEING CLOSE TO THE ACTION, OR SOMETHING ELSE?

I've loved tennis since I was a kid. When I saw the opportunity, I didn't think twice.

CAN YOU WALK ME THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO BECOME A BALL BOY? HOW COMPETITIVE WAS IT, AND WHAT DID YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET SELECTED?

We had internal school trials where 160 of us applied and trained for four months. Ultimately, eight from my school joined others from over 40 schools, and then the group was gradually thinned down to just over 200 over a further four months. In addition, some people from the last two years were invited back.