The 2015 NSW Junior & Youth Championships were held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre over 3 days, from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th February, in very warm conditions
NSW junior championships showcased the state’s talented teenagers. The field included world junior representatives and Youth Olympics Games representatives.
Twenty two Nowra Athletes competed in these Championships and there were strong performances across both track and field proving the strength of the local talent. The Championships were a last opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Australian Championships which will be held in March.
Any athlete who placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd for their age group is now eligible for the Australian Junior Championships.
Discus thrower Samantha Peace recorded another world youth qualifier throw of 46.39m, bringing her qualifier tally to six now. Samantha is an exceptional young athlete and is well deserving of her 1st place in the Under 18 discus and second place in the shot.
Sister Annette also added two more medals to her collection with a win in the Under 15 discus and 3rd in the hammer.
Also in the field was Siwa Harvey-Aziz who threw the discus 44.62 metres for a bronze in the Under 15 discus.
Jye Edwards had a double victory over the weekend with a win in both the Under 18 800m and 1500m.
Whilst sister Shenay finished 4th in the finals for both the Under 16 400m and 800m.
Jade Mustapic won silver in the Under 15 400m and placed 4th in the 800m.
Another medallist was sprinter Zac Havadjia who stood proudly on the podium for his bronze medal win in the Under 18 400m. Zac also finished 5th in the 200m final.
Nicholas Wooley also competed in the 400 and 200m events, finishing 5th in the 400m final and 7th in the 200m final in the Under 20’s.
Sprinter Jenna Bentley made the finals in both the 100m and 200m in the Under 15 age group, finishing strongly in 6th position for the 200m and 5th in the 100m.
Cam Musgrove also made the finals in his two chosen events. Cam placed 7th in the Under 18 400m final and 6th in the 800m.
Ulladulla athlete Kristin Kalemusic ran hard for 4th place in the Under 20 800m final.
Jess O’Donnell competed in the Under 14 200m and finished 4th in her heat; and Emerson Brian ran a solid time in his 100m heat to place 6th in the Under 17.
In the distance events Harry McGill ran a blistering race for 3rd in the Under 18 3000m and took 4th in the 1500m.
Troy Whittington competed in the Under 17’s events and finished 8th in the 3000m and 12th in the 1500m.
Jake Myors travelled from Forster to compete in his Nowra colours in the Under 20 1500m and finished 9th.
Nowra, once again had a good showing in the steeplechase events. Hugh Dobson ran 5th in the under 16 event and ‘big’ sister Clare finished 4th in the Under 17’s. Young Victoria Kennedy performed strongly with a well earned 3rd place in the Under 15 event.
There was just one Nowra representative in the walks – Corey McConville placed a very commendable 4th in the Under 14 3000m walk.
Finally, hurdling for Nowra was Hannah Stone who placed 9th in the Under 14 80m hurdles.
Congratulations to these athletes for competing and putting their best foot forward. They should all be proud of their efforts on the track and in the field. We look forward to watching the progress of those athletes who have now qualified for the Australian Championships.