Jess Stenson backs in Australia’s young talent ahead of All Schools Championships

Adelaide will host the returning Australian All Schools Track and Field Championships this week and the state’s latest hero was full of praise for the nation’s young gun athletes ahead of the event.

South Australia’s latest athletics hero has praised the country’s next crop of stars as the state prepares to host the Australian All Schools Championships this Friday.

Jess Stenson – who won a marathon gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in July – said Australia’s young athletics stars would benefit greatly from the experience.

The championships, which have returned to the summer athletics calendar after a hiatus during Covid, will be held at the newly renovated SA Athletics Stadium from December 9-12 and feature the country’s top talent from U12 to U18 age groups.

“It’s great to see the All Schools return and I think having junior meets at a national level like this really gives the athletes a chance to test themselves against the best and to experience the pressure and nerves of a high-level event,” Stenson said.

Champion SA and Australia runner Jess Stenson with discus athlete Marley Raikiwasa and runner Tessa Ebert at SA Athletics Stadium. Picture: Tom Huntley

“When I was young and competing in meets like these I didn’t really know what to expect and I felt those big meet nerves but looking back it was an extremely valuable experience because I learnt how to perform under pressure, prepare adequately and how to approach the events properly.

“I also made many lifelong friends which is something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Team South Australia will be represented by some of the nation’s top talent including star thrower Marley Raikiwasa and champion para distance runner Angus Hincksman, while other states around the country will also be sending strong teams to Adelaide.

Stenson said she was impressed by the current crop of up and coming stars.

Stenson with young runners (L-R) James Bowling, Tessa Ebert, Jessica McManus and Jonathan Harris. Stenson said SA’s young group of athletes had a lot of promise. Picture: Tom Huntley

“I keep an eye out for the talent we have on offer as a state in SA and as a country at the moment and what I find very impressive is the personality traits more than the performances,” she said.

“They all perform at a high level but the way they’re able to stay so professional and also just enjoy the events while juggling whatever they have going on in their lives, it’s a real credit to them.

“I think we have a great caliber of coaches in SA and Australia as a whole and we’re really proud of how we go at these events so I’m excited to see what these athletes can produce.”

Stenson also said the opportunity to host the All Schools Championships on the SA Athletics Stadium’s new track was important for the state.

“There’s a lot of excitement around the new track, you step out there and want to perform at a high level.

“We usually make do with what we have here but to have this venue which really looms as one of the elite facilities in Australia is fantastic.”