Churchie old boy Sam Hurwood has added the 400m hurdles to his athletic repertoire

Churchie old boy Sam Hurwood has added the 400m hurdles to his repertoire as he looks to take his career to even greater heights than that achieved in a stunning last 12 months.

Churchie old boy Sam Hurwood has added the 400m hurdles to his repertoire as he looks to take his career to even greater heights than that achieved in a stunning last 12 months.

Hurwood, who last week won the City South News Local Sports Star of the year award,

is full steam ahead as he aims to represent Australia at the 2020 IAAF World Under 20 Athletics Championships.

HURWOOD WINS GOLD AT OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Coached by Rajeev Balakrishnan at the University of Queensland Athletics Club, the Anglican Church Grammar School old boy was coming off the best 12 months of his career highlighted by:

+ the bronze medal in the Australian All Schools under 18 110m hurdles.

+ winning the Queensland under 20 110m hurdles title and placing in the 200m sprint

+ winning the Australian under 20 110m hurdles

+ winning the 110m hurdles while representing Australia at the Oceania Athletics Championships in record time despite poor conditions

“It’s really been a stand out year for me and I hope to carry this success forward,’’ Hurwood said.

Sam Hurwood hurdling for Queensland at this year’s nationals. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“I think the key to my success was the years of persistence that came before the last 12 months.

“I’ve always trained hard, so, as much as the last year has been a great success, it’s really just the product of the many years I’ve spent training but not getting such stellar results.’’

Churchie's Sam Hurwood after winning three events at the 2018 GPS Track and Field.

Hurwood said his achievements in the last 12 months had given him confidence as he looks to raise the bar further.

“It definitely gives me confidence moving forward but I can’t afford to let it go to my head,’’ said Hurwood, who went to primary school at West End State School.

“I still need to train hard and do what I’ve always done.

“As big as the last 12 months have been, the next 12 are going to be much bigger.

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“The IAAF World Under 20 Athletics Championships are my main goal for next year and I hope to not only qualify, but put myself in medalling position.’’

Hurwood said he would compete in the 110m hurdles, but wanted to test himself over 400m as well.

“If all goes to plan I believe that will become my main event,’’ Hurwood said.