Drive to succeed

Once Malachi Covington jumps on his bike, nothing can slow him down.

Junior Sports Star nominee Malachi Covington, of Glenhaven. Pictures: David Swift

Once Malachi Covington jumps on his bike, nothing can slow him down.

The 13-year-old of Glenhaven began cycling from a young age after following in his dad Darren’s footsteps.

“My dad is an ex-professional cyclist,” he said.

Last year he won a string of awards including a gold in the NSW Metropolitan Road U13, a silver in the NSW State Individual Time Trial U13, a gold in the NSW Metropolitan Track U13, and he was also named the U13 Parramatta Club Champion.

Malachi, 13, hopes to make the state team next year.

“Last year I went pretty well,” he said.

“At the state titles I got a silver and two bronzes for the time trial.

“Earlier on in the year, I went down to Victoria and I raced at the Victorian Christmas carnival and I got seven first places out of 11 races, two seconds and two thirds.”

Malachi, who recently joined the Marconi Cycling Club, trains six days a week and is also a member of the Western Sydney Academy of Sport.

“They help by teaching us all the things we need to get into the NSW Institute of Sport and the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) like bike mechanics,” he said.

“And we get seminars on special media and sporting events, like what to do and what not to do.”

The Castle Hill High School Year 7 student will work towards making the NSW State Team for nationals next year, when he will finally be old enough to qualify.

“I’d like to make the NSW State Team and at nationals to win a couple of golds,” he said.

The Junior Sports Star awards are proudly sponsored by Rebel.

To nominate, visit juniorsportsstar.com.au.