Junior Sports Star Patrick Gleeson excels in track and field
IT’S not winning medals that 15-year-old Patrick Gleeson counts as his proudest moments in sport so far, but the smiles on younger athletes’ faces when he high-fives them at the finish line of a race.
Blacktown
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IT’S not winning medals that 15-year-old Patrick Gleeson counts as his proudest moments in sport so far, but the smiles on younger athletes’ faces when he high-fives them at the finish line of a race.
“Patrick’s can-do attitude is really infectious,” his mum Laura Gleeson said.
“He has achieved a lot in school and although he has accolades and trophies, his proudest moments are seeing the kids make it to the finish line.”
A self-described “book nerd”, Patrick was encouraged by his teachers to try athletics.
He first threw a shot put in Year 7 and broke the Glenwood High record by 2m.
Patrick has won medals in state and region athletics.
He has reached state level in javelin, discus and shot put.
At Little Athletics regional level, he placed first in discus, javelin and shot put.
He achieved a third medal in state athletics shot put.
Patrick placed second in the Hills Senior Athletics shot put under-18 relay team, in the under-15 category he placed third in the discus relay team.
Last month, Patrick broke the Macquarie Zone Athletics records for shot put and discus.
Last year, Patrick, who is also the Blacktown Council youth ambassador, represented Australian Schools tournament at the Jack Brow championships and Trevor Craven Meet in Canada and scooped four silver medals and five bronzes.
He qualified for the Canada meet again this year but could not attend because of family reasons.
Patrick works closely with Glenwood High students and is also club captain at Rouse Hill RAMs Little Athletics.
He works to mentor and train younger athletes.
“I always try and get to the finish line to cheer them on an congratulate them. They are lovely kids and fast runners” he said.
Patrick is this week’s Junior Sports Star, sponsored by Rebel Sport.
To nominate someone, go online to juniorsportsstar. com.au
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