Local Sports Star Award nominee Rachel succeeds in many fields
RACHEL Bardney is one exceptionally-talented youngster, succeeding in several sports, including track and field, cross country, football, softball, basketball and touch football.
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RACHEL Bardney is one exceptionally-talented youngster, succeeding in several sports, including track and field, cross country, football, softball, basketball and touch football.
And in one of her finest achievements todate, this week’s nominee for the Local Sports Star Awards broke a 22-year-old record in the under-10 discus event at the 2016 School Sport Australia national championships in November, throwing 41.36 metres to eclipse the old mark by 70cm.
“That was my biggest achievement todate and all my hard work paid off,” a delighted Rachel said.
“I had lot of hope before the championships because I was training very hard.
“Dad was videoing it and after the competition I must have watched a million times as I was so excited.”
The Stanhope Gardens local’s amazement at breaking the longstanding record is very evident in her reaction in a video show by her dad and shows how much it means to her.
“My second throw was enough to win the competition but my fifth and sixth throws broke the record and I was thrilled,” the John XXIII Catholic Primary School student said.
“My goal this year is to qualify in discus and shot put for the Pan Pacific Games in Adelaide in November.
“Next year I would like to represent the NSW Little Athletics team at the Trans Tasman Games in New Zealand next January.”
Rachel began the year with a remarkable sweep of all the events she took part at the school athletics carnival.
She has just been selected into the NSWCPS MacKillop team competing at the NSWPSSA State Softball Championships in September.
Rachel is now busy fundraising to make the New Zealand trip, where she is looking forward to challenging some of the best young prospects across the Tasman.
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: www.localsportsstars.com.au
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