The Triple H 100.1 FM sports team has a new member – Aaryan Shah.
The long-term goal is for Aaryan to become a panellist (operating the desk) and eventually a presenter. Aaryan is studying media at Macquarie University and has been working with 2SER, a city-wide community radio station based at UTS Broadway.
Aaryan has a mild case of cerebral palsy, which makes his achievements all the more impressive.
Anthony Caruso caught up with Aayran while preparing for a recent episode of The Bench, Triple H’s Friday night two-hour sports program airing from 6pm. The program can be heard live on 100.1 FM across Hornsby and Ku-ring-Gai and streamed from triplehfm.com.au
Q: What sports have you actively followed and what it is about them that brought you in?
A: My first sport that I followed was cricket, and then AFL. I have recently got more into tennis but I want to keep diversifying my sporting interests. For me, the intrigue from sport lies in the strategy and drastic importance of individual performances as well as the repercussions after the game.
Q: What got you interested in sports media and who inspired you to follow your dream?
A: I’ve always loved sport and loved to talk so I thought if I could combine those together it would be a relaxing hobby turned into a job. Certain commentators have inspired me such as Bruce McAvaney, James Brayshaw and Mark Howard. I always loved their analysis, energy, passion and non-bias outlook.
Q: Talk us through your progression from secondary education to tertiary education, with the challenges that you have had over the years.
A: Secondary school was tricky for me at times both socially and academically. I felt excluded by the people around me and the inaccessibility of certain areas such as the basketball court. However, my family, especially my mum, was always on my side and helped fight the school to build a new lift to make these areas more accessible.
During high school I believe I was not very self-motivated, driven or responsible. Coming to uni has taught me the beauty and importance of academic control. I have become better for it while also improving my confidence in social situations, meeting new people and friends along the way.
Q: How do you continue to push yourself to achieve your very best and produce excellence with a positive vibe?
A: I believe performing to your capability and beyond is extremely important for growth and improvement and these two things are important and rewarding for me. Having a positive vibe makes everything easier and ensures that you see the benefit in everything you do and enjoy yourself along the way.
Q: How have you found working with Triple H Sport and where do you see yourself going within the team?
A: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and learnt a lot so far, I have had great support and encouragement from the team which has really boosted my confidence and belonging around the group. I hope to one day run my own extended segment, much like Dom Rizzuto and soccer, but for AFL, NRL or cricket.
