Briar Hill athletics star Chas Woodward wants to play AFL

Chas Woodward was inspired by his two athletics star siblings and already has two state junior records up his sleeve — but it’s a very different sport where his dreams lie.

Chas Woodward has set Victorian records in hurdles and long jump and made the SSV U12 football team. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Chas Woodward is a Junior nominee for the Leader Local Sports Stars awards.

Sport: Athletics

Suburb: Briar Hill

Club name: Victoria

Coach/manager: Chris and Amber

Young athletics star Chas Woodward. Picture: George Salpigtidis

How old were you when you took up your sport?

I was seven.

How did you get involved in this sport?

My older sister was a state champion and my older brother is still competing and also a state title winner, so I try to beat their records.

What has been your biggest success?

Two Victorian records in long jump and hurdles, 100th of a second off the Australian record and making SSV Victoria under-12 footy team.

Describe your training routine:

Jump training on Mondays, sprint training on Wednesdays, hurdle training on Thursdays, and then club competition on the Saturdays.

Describe the toughest challenge you’ve faced:

Having to stop sport for 12 months at the age of six because of an injury to my leg bone after just starting and going to watch my sister and brother compete and do so well. It made me very hungry to get going.

What do you love most about your sport?

Competing against boys all over Australia, making friends and training with my brother and sister.

What is your ultimate sporting goal?

To play AFL.

Who is your sporting hero?

Zach Merrett.

‘I couldn’t have done this without …’

My dad as he trained and supported me every day and my brother Jake is a big inspiration and help.

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