Mackay athletes head to Brisbane for Australian Junior Track and Field Championships

Thirteen of Mackay’s most promising junior track and field athletes are preparing to compete in Brisbane this weekend, aiming for medals and club records at the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships. SEE THE LIST.

13 of Mackay's best junior stars will be on display this weekend as Brisbane plays host to the Junior track and field nationals with some vying for national medals in the process. Picture: Mackay Athletics

Mackay’s best junior track and field stars are ready to shine at the Australian Championships in Brisbane this weekend.

It’s all systems go for 13 of Mackay’s brightest young athletes, as they prepare to take on the best from around the country for a shot at national glory.

The athletes, including Mikayla Webb, Toby Rule, and Kayce Hoani-Vincent, will look to add to their medal tally from last year’s national all schools competition and take home some hardware.

Jacob Adams will be representing Mackay in both the U17 100m and 200m events and, given his success over the 2023 season thus far, could be one of the ones to watch at this weekend’s nationals.

Mikayla Webb will be competing in both the U17 and U18 100m relays, as well as the individual 100m event.

Webb has already proven her skill, winning a silver medal for Queensland at this year’s state championships in the 100m, as well as a bronze in the 200m.

She also placed seventh in the 100m event at the national titles last year and secured third place at the national all schools in December.

Oceania Athletics Championships Women 200 Metre Run Under 18 Finals. Mikayla Webb at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex. June 8, 2022. Picture: Michaela Harlow

Toby Rule will be competing in the U17 3000m, 2000m steeplechase, and 1500m events.

Rule has been training hard for this competition and is looking to make a statement on the national stage.

Taking home a silver medal at last year’s all schools nationals will give Rule the confidence to go with the nation’s best when push comes to shove with potential to be another medallist for the Mackay region.

Toby Rule had a break out toward the end of 2022, and with another state medal to his name could be one to launch himself onto the national scene in Brisbane this weekend. Picture: Mackay Athletics

Matthew Minchianski will be competing in the U14 triple jump, shot put, and javelin events and will be eager to show off his training and make a name for himself at the national level.

Elizabeth Lee will be competing in the heptathlon event in the U17 category.

Competing in a gruelling seven events across two days, Lee will vary from the track, throws ring and jumping tarmacs to stake her claim as one of the nation’s best multi athletes.

Hayley Colless will be competing in the U15 90m and 200m hurdles events.

Colless won a bronze medal and set a personal best in the U15 90m hurdles event at this year’s state championships. She also placed seventh in her heat in the U15 200m event, finishing 16th overall.

Hayley Colless will look to improve on her Bronze medal from this years state championships when she takes on the hurdles among the nations best in Brisbane this weekend. Picture: Mackay Athletics

Chloe Waples will be competing in the U15 400m, 800m, and high jump events. Waples is a well-rounded athlete and is sure to impress in all three events.

James Galea will be competing in the U18 shot put and discus events.

Kayce Hoani-Vincent and Lianna Herrington will both be competing in the pole vault event in the U17 and U14 categories, respectively.

Kayce Hoani-Vince proudly holding her bronze medal from the Under 16 Womens Pole Vault at the National All-Schools Championships

Hoani-Vincent placed third at the all schools nationals last year in December and is looking to improve on that performance.

Herrington is a talented young athlete and is eager to show off her skills on the national stage.

Noah Porter will be competing in the 90m hurdles and high jump events.

Australia's juniors are ready to go on Thursday⏳

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Twin brother of Noah, Aiden Porter will be competing in the U13 discus making it a family affair for the Porter clan in Brisbane.

With gold medals, club records, and state pride on the line, these athletes are ready to give it their all at the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships from April 13-16 at Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.