Young champs: Annabelle Novac, Kamsi Ozoh, Lucy Potter, Hunter Howells and Alice Ludlow pose with their medals.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton Little Athletics stars have shone brightly at the state titles — the last event of the season — despite scorching conditions.
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Forty-five athletes from Shepparton Little Athletics braved the searing heat, where temperatures hit the high 30s, to collect three gold medals and four silver in an impressive haul for the regional centre.
The State Track and Field Titles were held at Knox Park in Melbourne’s east on March 9 and 10.
There were six medallists in total for Shepparton with Lucy Potter (gold u16 girls 400m), Hunter Howells (gold u16 boys triple jump), Kamsi Ozoh (gold u9 girls 60m hurdles, silver u9 girls long jump), Makenzie Davies (silver u12 girls 1500m walk), Alice Ludlow (silver u16 girls shot put) and Annabelle Novac (silver u16 girls 90m hurdles) all finishing on the podium.
President of Shepparton Little Athletics Aileen Zanelli said she was proud of her athletes’ grit after the centre had one of its best state title performances in recent memory despite the trying conditions.
“It was hot and blustery and they were talking about if they had to, they would cancel it in the middle of the program and have a break and come back later, but they didn’t have to do it,” she said.
“I was just in awe of the kids because of the heat; I was out there timekeeping and the hot wind and that, but nobody seemed overstressed or anything like that.
“For us to come home with three state champions and seven medals altogether, it was fantastic.”
Silver surfer: Makenzie Davis came second in the u12 girls 1500m walk.
Photo by
Contributed
With the track and field season drawing to a close, Shepparton’s Little Athletics kids will turn their attention to winter sports such as football and netball.
But a couple of these future Olympians (you never know) will be invited to be a part of the Junior Development Squad.
Also known as the JDS, athletes in this squad will meet up during the year for training and talks with expert coaches as they try to reach the next level in their chosen events.
As the young athletes posed together for photos with their medals, Zanelli couldn’t speak more highly of the quintet as she noted how passionate it was about the club.
“Kamsi is very enthusiastic,” she said.
“She was in our relays and she loved the chase and running people down, so she is really, really enthusiastic.
“Alice Ludlow has been here for years and she has figured in the state medals just about every year she has been here in the throws (shot put).
“Hunter has been here for about four years now and has been keen from the word go. Lucy, as well, she did the Shepparton Gift, and Annabelle is just as enthusiastic.”
While track and field season is over, Shepparton Little Athletics also runs cross-country training during the winter.
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