The 2026 Open & Little Athletics State Championships were held at SOPAC from 19th to 22nd March.
Harrison Baxter had a great run in the open 1500m where he clocked a PB of 3.53.69 for 24th place. Then in the open B final, he ran 3.58.65 for 3rd place.
Despite battling illness all week, Will Dyball pushed through in the open 800m to run 1.53.97, placing a creditable 20th from 55 athletes.
Jonah Watson contested the very competitive 200m where unfortunately he took a tumble on the home straight. He bravely picked himself up to finish the race, crossing the line in 30.02.
Erin Smart, hot off her success at Australian Masters Championships, ran the 400m, finishing 18th overall with a run of 58.97, just shy of her season best of 58.44 which she ran at Masters.
In the Little Athletics Championships, Nowra Athletics Club had four athletes with a multiclub membership competing.
Ieremaia Falemoe representing Kiama Little Athletics Centre had a great competition, making the finals in both sprint events. In the 10 years 100m heat, Ieremaia ran 14.14 then went on to win the bronze medal in 14.18. In the 200m heat, Ieremaia recorded 28.89 to qualify for the final where he then ran 29.45 for 6th place. In long jump Ieremaia jumped 4.16m for 9th place.
In the St Georges Basin colours, Braxton Naylor placed 15th in the 11 years discus with a strong throw of 28.65m. In his first time competing in the javelin on the big stage, he finished 17th with 22.47m.
Declan Bennett contested the 12 years 1500m race walk where he placed 13th in a PB time of 8.53.42.
Representing Shoalhaven Little Athletics Centre, Finn Goddard had solid runs in the 12 years 400m and 800m. In the 400m, he placed 5th in a new PB of 1.00.27 which was also a national qualifying time, and in the 800m, he finished 5th with 2.16.14.
Congratulations to all these athletes on their outstanding performances.