The 2016 2XU NSW All Schools took place last week at Sydney Olympic Park’s Athletic Centre. There were impressive performances over the 4 days across the track and field from our young local athletes.
Despite the weather challenges over the 4 days with swirling winds, the athletes competed well, battling it out against the best in the State.
Alice Hamlen won the Gold Medal in the 13 years Pole Vault with a height of 2.30 metres. She also finished 10th in the Javelin with a throw of 26.53 metres, and 8th in the final of the 80m Hurdles.
Cooper Thomson also jumped to new heights in pole vault winning the Silver Medal in the 15 years event with a height of 3.00 metres. He also finished 5th in Heat 1 of the 400m.
Winning double gold was Broulee’s Jaylah Hancock-Cameron who ran in first in the 14 years 1500m in 4mins43.60 as well as the 800m in 2mins10.65.
Also in the 14 years age group, winning two medals, was Byron Van Dyk who won the Silver Medal in the 800m in 2mins04.12 and the Silver Medal in the 400m in 53.26s.
At her first major event for hurdling Zoe Chater finished 2nd in Heat 2 of the 14 years 200m Hurdles and then went on to win the Bronze Medal in the Final in 29.19s. Zoe also finished 6th in the 90m hurdles final as well as finishing 7th in the 100m Final.
In the field Siwa Harvey-Aziz won the Silver Medal in the 15 years Discus with a mighty throw of 56.18 metres whilst Annette Peace won the Silver Medal in the girls Discus with a throw of 37.15 metres.
Distance runner Hugh Dobson won the Bronze Medal in the 16 years 2000m Steeplechase in 6mins41.24. He also finished 9th in the 3000m.
Also in the distance events, Asha Martin won the Silver Medal in the girls 16 years 3000m and Troy Whittington won the Bronze Medal in the 17 years 3000m. Troy also finished 4th in the 1500m. Rumer Williams travelled from Batehaven to compete in the 17 years 1500m and 3000m finishing 7th and 6th respectively.
Twelve year old Sam Maher competed well at his first All Schools Championships in the 800m and 1500m. Alex O’Brien, Ben Shephard and Rhys Flood all competed in the 13 years 1500m with Alex finishing 15th, Ben placing 17th and Rhys 13th. Rhys and Ben also ran in the 800m with Rhys finishing 12th and Ben 15th.
In the throwing arena Emilia Matthews finished 15th in the 13 years javelin whilst Ebony Johnson competed well in both the 16 years javelin and discus despite a shoulder injury. Rhiannon Brown also threw the javelin spearing 7th in the 16 years event.
Jumping high was Lara Check in her first Championship event finishing 21st in the girls 13 years event whilst Mason Beresford jumped well in both the 13 years long jump and triple jump. Emilia Matthews also jumped into 26th place in her long jump event.
In the sprints Jessica O’Donnell finished 3rd in her heat of the 14 years 200m whilst sister Breeanna finished 7th in the 16 years 400m. Lachlan Kaszonyi finished 9th in his 15 years 100m heat and Emerson Brian ran in 6th in his 17 years 100m heat. Lily Wheeler ran in 3rd in her 13 years 100m heat.
Hurdling well was Alistair Clark who made the finals in both the 15 years 200m hurdles and 100m hurdles as well as running a strong heat of the 100m. Mikayla Check finished 6th in the 15 years 200m hurdles as well as also running the 200m and 100m.
Shenay Edwards competed in not one, but two testing 400m events placing 6th in the 16 years 400m sprint final as well as contesting the 400m hurdles and finishing 5th.
Both Victoria Kennedy and Jesse Buckham contested the 2000m steeplechase events with both placing 7th in their respective races.
Well done to all these local athletes competing strongly on a large stage of athletics.