SA para-athlete Jack Netting says “brutal” trainings helped him claim three gold medals at national championships

Para-athlete Jack Netting says pushing through the pain of “brutal” trainings helped him win three-gold medals at the Australian Athletics Championships.

Jack Netting, who has cerebral palsy, won gold in the para division under-20 100m, under-20 200m and under-20 long jump at the Australian Athletics Championships last month. Picture: AAP/Emma Brasier

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Jack Netting says pushing through the pain of “brutal” training and working hard to juggle school with those sessions are behind his rapid rise in athletics.

Netting, who has cerebral palsy, won three gold medals in the para division at the Australian Athletics Championships last month.

The 17-year-old, of Clarence Park, finished first in three T/F35 classification under-20 events: the 100m, 200m and long jump.

“I am still shocked and mind-blown with what I’ve done,” Netting says.

“I’ve missed out on being with friends, struggled with balancing school and athletics and had lots of pain from the very tough and brutal training.

“It just proves in the end it was all worth it.

Jack Netting with his three gold medals. Picture: AAP/Emma Brasier

“These sessions also help my muscle strength and co-ordination, which helps me with my balance issue due to my cerebral palsy.

“Now that I have done well, it fills me with great pride, happiness and determination to do more.”

It was the Year 12 Urrbrae Agricultural High School student’s third national championships.

But he entered this year’s tournament, at Sydney’s Olympic Park, feeling nervous.

Even after claiming his first gold medal, Netting remained grounded.

“I felt that I would do OK and might get a good time in one of my events or even a medal, as I had a very good athletics season at home.

“But I didn’t expect to get gold in all events.

“When competing on a national level it’s good to not get too ahead of yourself.

“Even though you may have improved, you never know how well the other athletes are doing or who you may be competing against.”

Netting says he was not the “the fittest kid” in primary school and gave other sports a try but was “never good at them”.

He started athletics eight years ago after a come-and-try day put on by Novita, a charity that supports people living with a disability.

Netting also credits his coach, Lynn Larsen, and Variety SA for helping him so far.

“A disability doesn’t mean you can’t do something – it just gives you more of a reason to prove to yourself that it can be done,” Netting says.