Ascot Vale athlete Elias Kahsay jumps the language barrier in his chase of Olympic glory

ELIAS Kahsay has his sights set on an Olympic berth six years after arriving in Australia not knowing a word of English.

Sports star nominee Elias Kahsay is already making a name for himself in athletic circles.

ELIAS Kahsay could not speak a word of English six years ago.

Nor did he know anything about life on the other side of the world when he moved to Australia from Ethiopia.

But at age 13, the Mount Alexander College has represented Victoria at the Australian Athletics Competition in Sydney.

The Ascot Vale boy qualified for finals in the 400m and 800m running events, and set personal best times.

And the accolades are just a bonus.

“Running makes me feel good. I just like running,” Elias said.

“I’d like to go to the Olympics. It would feel like I was doing something good.”

Integration aid Brooke Rennie said getting involved in sports helped Elias settle into his new life in Australia.

“He came here with no English at all,” Brooke said.

“He’s had to learn life in a new country, and also try and pick up the language all at once, which is tough.

“I think the sport has helped him and helped him to stay on the right track.

“It’s given him something to look forward to and he has goals for the future now.”

Elias has competed for the Sunbury Little Athletics Club, as well as the Keilor St Bernards Athletics Club at a senior level.

Elias has been selected by Little Athletics Victoria to represent the state at the Australian Little Athletics Championships in Sydney at the end of the month.

He is one of only 13 athletes selected to represent Victoria.

Leader Local Sports Stars medallists will be named in seven categories including juniors, teams, individuals, and encouragement.

The program is now a national celebration, and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.

Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.

For full details and to nominate an athlete, go to localsportsstars.com.au