Trinity College Beenleigh schoolgirl Caitlin Hannigan walks toward success in athletics
Sporting enthusiasts, write down the name of race walker Caitlin Hannigan and each year prior to the start of a Commonwealth or Olympic Games, scan the Aussie athletics team looking for her. After all she has been thrust onto the cover of an AOC publication.
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Sporting enthusiasts, write down the name Caitlin Hannigan and each year prior to the start of a Commonwealth or Olympic Games, scan the Australian athletics team and see if you can spot her name.
Because it would surprise no one to see the year 12 race walker from Beenleigh’s Trinity College progress all the way after a stunning 12 month block of success which saw her secure a race record at the 2019 Oceania Games and then earlier this year win a place in the Australian team bound for the World Race Walking Championships.
LOGAN’S LEADING SCHOOL SPORTING STARS
Clearly the Australian Olympic Committee think highly of her, with the Hannigan thrust onto the front cover of the 2020 Olympic Change Maker program after earlier winning the award.
The AOC program recognises students who demonstrate the Olympic spirit through leadership while driving positive change in their communities.
Asked about her ambitions beyond 2020, Hannigan said: “I would like to continue growing in the sport I love and to make the most of all the opportunities that may come my way on the journey.
“I enjoy the challenge and dedication that race walking demands and then the reward of finishing a race after giving it 100 per cent and making my coach Dave Smith proud.’’
Hannigan has come a long way since walking into the Beaudesert Little Athletics Club as an under 9 age group competitor after getting a taste for running and jumping at the St Mary’s Primary School sports day.
“I wanted to learn how to do all of the events and have fun with my friends,’’ said recalled.
“I remember mum and dad encouraging me to try all different sports and all different events. “With that, after having nearly completed my first season with little athletics, I entered my first competition for race walking at the South Coast Regional Little Athletics Championships. “I raced in the under 9, 700m racewalk and I managed to finish in second place which qualified me to compete at the state championships to be held in Brisbane four weeks later.
“With mum and dad’s help I managed to fit in a little bit of training before the race and I was so happy to finish in first place. It was from here my love for race walking began.’’
LOGAN’S TOP DOZEN ROOKIES ON THE RISE
Hannigan said it was not an easy sport to master, and discipline and technique were key.
“The hardest thing about race walking is the technique,’’ said Hannigan, who is renowned within her school community for leading by example.
“You can be the fittest person on the track, but without the correct technique you can be disappointed with disqualification.
“After all of the hard work you have put in leading up to the race and then the disappointment on the day is something that certainly builds character and only makes you stronger and more determined.’’
But Hannigan would not swap all the toil and commitment for anything.
“I really enjoy the challenge of race walking and the necessity to be committed and focused,’’ said Hannigan, the Trinity College House Captain for Champagnat.
“I also enjoy leading a healthy lifestyle and training with my sisters and my squad.’’
Originally published as Trinity College Beenleigh schoolgirl Caitlin Hannigan walks toward success in athletics