NSW Junior Athletics Day 1: PB’s galore from teen stars in big wet, results, best stories

Our athletics young guns conquered the big wet and each other with a string of PB’s on day one of the NSW Junior Athletics titles. Best stories and some of the top results.

NSW Junior Athletics Championship winner Billy Blair from Rozelle.

The NSW Junior Athletics championships kicked off with a bang with 1500 athletes racing at the 2022 event at Sydney Olympic Park.

And while Sydney’s big wet made the going tough for some on Friday, there were still head-turning performances on day one of the meet at Sydney Olympic Park.

DAY THREE: TEENS FLYING HIGH

DAY TWO: FOOTY STARS SHINES

Molly Goetz from Smithfield in the women's U18 hammer throw.

MOLLY GOETZ WINS NSW JUNIOR HAMMER THROW

It’s a little unusual but hammer thrower Molly Goetz loves throwing in the rain.

So it’s no surprise the 16-year-old from Smithfield was in scintillating form in Sydney’s big wet at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday.

As the rain came down in buckets, Goetz pulled put some big throws to claim the NSW U18 hammer throw on the opening day of the competition.

Molly Goetz was all smiles after her performance in the wet.

Goetz, whose long term goals is to represent her country at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games and who trains with her younger brother Alex, produced a personal best 54.85 in the rain.

“I really love throwing in the rain,’’ said Goetz, whose grandmother Irene used to run against Australian legend Betty Cuthbert.

“I’m not sure why, but I really enjoy the way it feels.’’

NSW Junior Athletics Championship winner Billy Blair from Rozelle.

BILLY BLAIR ADDS NSW JUNIOR CROWN TO NSW ALL SCHOOLS TITLE

Balmain’s Billy Blair was another youngster to pull out a PB in the rain.

The 14-year-old, competing in the 100m Hurdles 84.0cm U16 final, ran a 13.27 for the title ahead of Callum Cheung 13.95 and Cherrybrook’s Xavier Hennessey 14.81.

“I’m happy with that,’’ said a delighted Blair. “I’ve been training really hard.’’

Rashid Kabba from Toongabbie in the U18 100m hurdles.

RASHID KABBA RECORDS PB IN 110 METRE HURDLES 91.4CM U18

Toongabbie speedster Rashid Kabba also had a good day in the wet with his own PB.

Kabba, from Westfields Sports High, produced a 13.87 to beat Oberon’s Joshua Kalozi 14.33 and Ryde Athletics’ Tim Forster 14.45.

Kabba said he had learned an important technique recently which worked for him on the day.

“I learned I need to lean forward and attack the hurdles,’’ he said after defending his hurdles crown.

Kabba’s big goal at the NSW Athletics Juniors and upcoming events is to post a world junior qualifying time in the 100m he will run on Saturday.

CENTRAL COAST HURDLER LIAM COLES WINS AFTER NASTY INJURIES

Mingarra athlete Liam Coles, 15, admits he could have been doing a bit more work in the lead-up to the championships but he still took out the U17 100m hurdles crown.

Coles, 15.26, beat Matthew Basanovic from Sutherland 15.74 with James Harden from Knox Grammar School third in 15.79.

“I was hoping for better but I am coming back from injury,’’ said Coles who said he injured his collarbone and hamstring in a fall during Covid.

Andres Hampel from Artarmon in U18 100m hurdles.

ANDRES HAMPEL’S BIG GOALS FOR 2022

Artarmon hurdler Andres Hampel tasted success in his first ever 100m hurdles 84cm U15 race.

Hampel ran a 14.90 to finish ahead of Liam Hayes 15.49 and Lincoln Henry from Coffs Harbour.

“It is the first time I have ever done it and my dad said anything sub 15 is good so I’m really happy,’’ Hampel said.

The north shore athlete, who also plays soccer, said his big goal is to win the same event at the Australian championships.

Delta Amidzovski from Albion Park is a picture of determination in the U17 long jump

DELTA AMIDZOVSKI ADDS ANOTHER TITLE TO HER NAME

Just minutes after completing the long jump, Delta Amidzovski rushed off with the U16 hurdles crown at the NSW Juniors.

Amidzovski finished in 13.51 and ahead of Jasynta Lampret from Sutherland 14.11 and Victoria Tiara Willis. 15.27.

This was despite nearly tripping at the end.

“Not bad except for my near stack,’’ she said.

The U18 race was won by Alexandra Richards 14.32 from Talia Kupceric 14.44 and Sienna Bond.

MORE from AMANDA LULHAM HERE