How Rouse Hill Rams’ Xander motivates himself to set the pace on the track
XANDER Keller is remarkably grounded for someone who is just nine, not only smashing records on the track but also having the faith to look towards higher goals.
Local Sports Stars
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XANDER Keller is remarkably grounded for someone who is just nine, not only smashing records on the track but also having the faith to look towards higher goals.
The Pacific Hills Christian School student is the fastest not only in his school at zonal level, in the 100m, 200m and 800m to qualify for the Christian Schools Sports Association athletics championships in August.
Xander is this week’s nominee for the Local Sports Star Award and believes that it is his faith which is his main driving force in sports.
The Kellyville Ridge local is also one of the top gun at the Little Athletics regionals this season, setting new marks in 70m, 100m and 400m events.
“I love running and have given up football to concentrate on athletics,” Xander said.
“I like to pray before I run and I thank God for giving me the gift of being fast.
“Praying encourages me and helps me feel calm.
“I think everyone needs to know the love He gives and that His Son died for us to be with Him forever.
“Sometimes it’s scary to talk about it but I’d rather be scared than people not knowing about Him.
“I have been training with Mick Zisti twice a week and my family also encourages me in my sports.
“My biggest achievements this year was at the Little Athletics regional carnival where I broke three records.
The rising Rouse Hill Rams star had a brilliant season in 2016, winning the 100m, 200m and 400m at zonal, CSSA and college meets, taking out the Sportsman of the Year at Little Athletics and Athlete of the Year at his school.
He also represents his school in cross country and futsal. Some of his personal bests in the under-8 category include 10.83 seconds in 70m, 15.15 seconds in the 100m and 31.06 seconds for the 200m.
“I want to grow up and run in the Olympics and through that, tell lots of people about God,” Xander said.
“I also want to break some big records.”
The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
■ The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.
■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.
■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.
■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
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