Jordan McMillan win the women’s Bay Sheffield at 14 as Harrison Hunt wins the men’s race

The women’s Bay Sheffield has sensationally been won by a 14-year-old, the youngest champion in the history of the event — while a South Australian also claimed the men’s Gift.

Harrison Hunt, middle, with a look of disbelief after winning the Men's Bay Sheffield Final on Friday. Picture: Dean Martin

Tatachilla Lutheran College student Jordan McMillan created history as the youngest women’s Bay Sheffield champion after claiming a highly impressive victory at Colley Reserve on Friday at just 14 years of age.

The youngster’s tears flowed immediately after crossing the line to secure the $13,500 winner’s prize and replace last year’s winner Molly Farmer, the previous youngest victor at 15, in the record books.

Jordan McMillan, centre, winning the Women's final of the Bay Sheffield on Friday. Picture Dean Martin

McMillan came from 7m to conquer West Australian Sophie Watts with Amie Mittiga third. Watts narrowly failed in her attempt to emulate Farmer’s effort in 2017 and secure the sprint double after winning in the 70m on Thursday.

And teenager Harrison Hunt gave South Australia the prized double when he came from the backmark in the final to triumph in the men’s Gift. He is just the second runner to win the prestigious sprint the year after finishing second.

McMillan fought back tears when speaking immediately after being declared the winner and said winning the race had been among her dreams.

Jordan McMillan won the 2018 women’s Bay Sheffield.

“I can’t believe it, really can’t believe it,” McMillan said. “I could not be more happy.

“My heart was racing on the blocks, I was freaking out. But I knew what to do and did it.

“I just kept going and did not think about the others in the race.”

McMillan is coached by Peter Burdett and is a member of the Grange track squad. Last year, she won the under 14 120m title at the Bay Sheffield carnival.

Hunt was well backed when betting opened on the Gift on Thursday in reflection of his rating as the state’s best hope.

Although admitting to feeling pressure, he went into the final refusing to finish second again after being runner-up to Sasha Zhoya last year.

“My mark went back from last year, but I’ve been training hard and it showed,” Hunt said. “I’m over the moon, it is so great.

Harrison Hunt (far right in red), wining the Men's final on Friday. Picture Dean Martin

“I was hoping to get 4m and got 3.75m so I knew it (winning) was possible. I got a good start and as soon as I got up next to Liam Moss I just had to go and then hold them off.”

Rupert Lugo finished second with Moss, who successfully appealed his handicap last week and was given a crucial .75m lift, third.

Hunt was trained by Dylan Hicks before switching to Paul Young in August after Hicks conceded he did not have the necessary time to devote to the role.