NSW Junior Athletics Day 2: Footy star, sons of guns in spotlight, results, world junior qualifiers

A rising star from football and sons of guns were in the spotlight on a sensational second day of the NSW Juniors Athletics championship where world junior qualifiers were also met.

The speedsters were out in force on day two of the NSW Junior Athletics.

The Sydney deluge continued on Saturday but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm or the performances at the 2022 NSW Junior athletics championships at Sydney Olympic Park with PB’s smashed and world qualifiers produced.

After an opening day of great performances, Saturday was a repeat with a number of athletes following their fathers into sport and stealing the spotlight on day two.

NSW JUNIORS DAY 3: TEENS SOAR, STARS, STANDOUTS

NSW JUNIORS DAY 1: PB’S GALORE IN RAIN

More than 1500 athletes are competing at the NSW Junior championships. Pic: Julian Andrews.

CONNOR BOND, SON OF A FORMER WALLABY, HITS THE MARK AT NSW TITLES

He’s already caught the eye of rugby thanks to his extraordinary speed and family history, but right now all Connor Bond can think about is recording his first world under 20 athletics qualifier at Sydney Olympic Park.

In dismal conditions on a wet track, the 17-year-old speedster turned plenty of heads with his sizzling 10.56 in terrible weather.

Bond, from Pymble, punched the air in triumph on realising he had met the qualifier for the world juniors in Colombia in August.

Speedster Connor Bond winning the 100m at the NSW Juniors. Pic: David Tarbotton.

Bond, 19, racing for UTS North Sydney, won the U20 title in 10.56 to finish ahead of Joseph

Ayoade from Campbelltown 10.78 and Donovan Bradshaw, Donovan from Cherrybrook 10.83.

Bond’s father Graeme was a rugby flyer also known for his speed.

“I hoped I had that in me,’’ said Bond after the feat at Sydney Olympic Park.

“I'm pretty stoked.

“I am pretty much mates with everyone in that race and just wanted us all to do well.’’

Bond is also involved with Rugby Sevens and the 15s game and will play colts with eastern Suburbs this season.

“I’m lucky because the seasons haven't conflicted,’’ he said.

“My dream is to represent my country, in something.’’

Speedster Sadheel Kumar, left, winning the 100m at the NSW Juniors. Pic: David Tarbotton.

KUMAR SADHEEL AND SEBASTIAN SULTANA SPRINT TO WINS

Another standout on Saturday was Kumar Sadheel in the U17 100m.

Kumar, 16, from Campbelltown, won his first ever NSW title with his 11.26 performance.

Lachlan Herbert was second 11.27 and Jake Hayter third 11.32.

Sadheel said he has been dedicating more time to athletics and has also had a growth spurt.

Sebastian Sultana has already posted a world junior qualifying time. Pic: David Tarbotton

Another rising star of sprinting also tasted victory on Saturday.

Sebastian Sultana from The Ponds, who has also produced a recent world U20 qualifier, ran a 10.65 to win the U18 100m crown.

The 17-year-old finished ahead of Sebastian Ghisso 10.80 and Zac Urbach 11.08.

XAVIER PERRY, SON OF AN ATHLETICS GUN, MAKING HIS OWN MARK

Growing up Xavier Perry never really realised what a big name his father Steven was in Australian athletics until his dad asked him if he wanted to have a go at the sport.

“I was quick at football and dad said why don’t you try running as well, and I did,’’ said Xavier, 14, at the NSW Juniors where he came from behind to win the U15 400m race in driving rain.

“I tried it, loved it and have been doing it ever since.’’

Xavier, from Penrith, put down a 53.03 to finish ahead of Aiden Wright from Ryde Athletics (53.26) and Wol Albino from Hornsby District (53.74).

Xavier Perry competing for St Agnes Catholic High at the All Schools in December.

Xavier said his goal is to represent Australia on the world stage in the future and is aiming to be racing on home soil at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

Next up for Xavier and his medal winning rivals is the Australian championships.

“We want to go top three there,’’ he said.

BENJAMIN STEVENS WINS SHOT PUT NSW CROWN

Benjamin Stevens has managed to thwart teachers keen for him to play rugby for his school to stay dedicated to the cause of athletics so far.

The Trinity schoolboy youngster won the U18 shot put with a throw of 16.05m to beat Daniel De Sacadura from Cherrybrook (14.26m) and Ben Batten, from Dubbo (13.56).

“I've been doing this since I was 10 and love it,’’ said the Concord teenager.

“This is my fourth title in a row.

“But this was a shocker (throw) because of the weather. It was pretty bad out there.’’

Stevens said he will be trying for a world under 20 athletics qualifying time at upcoming meets, including the Australian championships.

Isaac Beacroft on his way to his NSW title in the walk on day two of the NSW Junior Athletics. Pic: David Tarbotton

ISAAC BEACROFT WALKS OFF WITH ANOTHER TITLE

Quakers Hill Athlete Isaac Beacroft was one of the first NSW athletics champions crowned on Saturday.

The 14-year-old, who attends Oak Hill College at Castle Hill, has been winning titles in race walking for years.

His title in the under 14 3km walk was his sixth in a row at the state championships.

It comes ahead of his attempt to defend his Australian crown on the same track in April.

“This gives me confidence,’’ the teenager said.

Beacroft has been walking since the U9s at Little Athletics.

“My dad used to do it so it’s a bit of a family thing,“ said Beacroft, who has broken a number of his father David’s records in recent times.

Racing in the combined age and gender road walk final at Sydney Olympic Park.

Beacroft, who is also the NSW All Schools record holder, said his future goal is to make a world junior under 20 team with the LA and Brisbane Olympics his long term goals.

Beacroft, from the Hills District club, posted a 12:40.77 to beat Owen Toyne (12:48.10) and Myles Ashby (15:29.77).

Amosia Soatini winning his event in the rain on Saturday.

NSW TITLE FOR AMOSIA SOATINI DESPITE “TERRIBLE THROW’’

He’s hoped to throw much better but the weather wouldn't play ball with Amosia Soatini who still won the U17 shot put.

The Trinity athlete recorded a 18.05m to win the event from Mingara’s George Wells 15.07m and Victorian Logan Sandland 14.94m.

“In training I have benne hitting 19,’’ said Soatini who won the same event at the NSW All Schools.

“The goal this season is to hit 20 at hopefully the nationals.’’