Anglican Church Grammar School old boy Sam Hurwood to represent Australia

West End resident Sam Hurwood is living the sporting dream at the moment as he continues to ride a purple patch of form that has lifted him into Australian colours. Hurwood will represent the Australian under 20 team at the Oceania Area Championships

West End resident Sam Hurwood is living the sporting dream at the moment as he continues to ride a purple patch of form that has lifted him into Australian colours.

Hurwood, who graduated Anglican Church Grammar School last year, will represent the Australian under 20 team in the 200m and 100m hurdles at the Oceania Area Championships in Townsville, June 25-28.

He won selection after a gold medal performance at last month’s nationals.

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“Honestly it has been one high after another, I’ve been smiling so much my face hurts,’’ Hurwood said.

“My win in Sydney was my first ever individual gold medal at a national event so that was obviously quite special. I would have to give that first place in my book of achievements.

“But, what really makes it more special to me than my selection for the Oceania Championships is that it was a race I wasn’t selected to win.

“I had to throw myself over the line to come first.

“In saying this, my selection in the team is still a close second place and massive achievement. I am absolutely over the moon.’’

Churchie's Sam Hurwood won three events at the GPS Track and Field last November.

Coached by Rajeev Balakrishnan, it will be the first time Hurwood has represented Australia after a near miss last year when he was disqualified for a false start at the nationals which cost him the chance of national under 18 selection.

Hurwood, a past student of West End State School and a member of the University of Queensland Athletics Club. said he would approach the Oceania Championships no differently to any other big meet - except that he ate less chocolate over Easter.

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“I have always been keen to train and compete because I love the sport and have such a supportive coach in Rajeev Balakrishnanwho makes the experience both challenging and enjoyable,’’ Hurwood said.

“Being selected to represent Australia doesn’t change anything except my training schedule for the next few weeks.

“I have always given it my all and the Oceania Championships are just another place to do that.’’