Live stream: Arana Little Athletics walking star Bailey Housden set for LAQ State Championships

Despite his relative inexperience, Brisbane’s Bailey Housden is one of the world’s best walkers. Discover his story, and all the athletes to watch at the LAQ State Champs. LIVE action starts on Saturday.

To become the best in the world - or close to - at something requires close to a lifetime of dedication.

Find your passion early and hone it.

Not in Bailey Housden’s case, however.

The Arana Little Athletics club captain stumbled into walking, quite literally, and hasn’t looked back.

The 16-year-old is competing at the Little Athletics Queensland Championships in Brisbane this weekend and KommunityTV will capture every event on the track as well as select field events across two dedicated live streams on Saturday and Sunday.

CATCH ALL THE ACTION FROM THE LAQ STATE CHAMPS HERE

MIDDLE DISTANCE PRODIGY EYES LITTLE A’S QUEENSLAND DOUBLE

Housden remembers the night his walking career took off.

“It was just a normal night at Little Athletics and I did my first walk, I didn’t know what I was doing,” said Housden.

“My coach apparently thought I was good at it. He picked me up and I’ve been training ever since.”

Arana Little Athletics Club walker Bailey Housden. Picture: Contributed.

Housden estimates he was in under-13s or 14s at the time, and he’s been drawn to the sport ever since, although even he can’t pinpoint exactly why.

“To be honest, I have no clue (why I love walking),” said Housden.

“It’s just always having something to do, always having your mind on something.”

Making national teams and breaking Australian records along the way certainly helps.

Earlier this year, Housden clocked a 41:30.77 in the 10,000m. Yes, he walked 10km quicker than most people could run it.

That time broke the Australian under-18 record. It also placed him as the world’s fastest under-18 over 10,000m.

He was dethroned by Mexico’s Emiliano Barba within a week but holds the No.2 spot.

Housden said he’s ‘very keen’ to perform well at the Little Athletics State Championships.

“I’m aiming for the state record, to get through with a clean card and do my best,” he said of what he hopes to achieve over the course of the event.

“I did a pretty good time at the regionals, but I reckon the tartan track will help me get that bit faster … I know that I have a good chance at it.”

Discover all the athletes to watch at the Little Athletics Queensland State Championships below.