Little Athletics plan to continue with state titles despite heat
The heat won’t stop Victoria’s best athletes compete at the Little Athletics state titles with plans in place to combat it. We look at those in contention for state glory over the weekend.
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Little Athletics Victoria is confident its Victorian state titles can proceed this weekend but admits extreme heat might force delays.
This weekend the best athletes in the state are scheduled to compete at Knox Athletics Park.
But with temperatures predicted to hit 39 and 38 degrees respectively over the two days of the event there have been fears the titles would be postponed.
However, at this stage, Little Athletics Victoria (LAV) has vowed to continue while conceding it might need to delay certain competitions or use Monday as a spare day if conditions are deemed too hot for racing.
“The event will proceed on Saturday as scheduled,” a statement from LAV said.
“The weather will be hot with temperatures peaking in late afternoon.
“Should conditions be deemed to be unsafe for our officials and athletes, contingent programming may be required.
“This could include temporarily halting and rescheduling specific events; temporarily halting and rescheduling all competition; extending the program into the cooler evening/night or extending the program into a third day on Monday 11 March.”
LAV said the event could still be postponed altogether but it was unlikely.
But the association said the safety of everyone was paramount.
“Little Athletics Victoria will make every effort to give all athletes the opportunity to compete in their events over the whole weekend with the proviso that it is safe to do so,” the association said.
“This may result in later finishes to competition on one or both days than the schedule currently states.
“In the unlikely event that the event is postponed, alternative competition dates and venue will be communicated to families, centres, regions and officials at the earliest opportunity.”
A list of athletes to look out for at the event is below.
Lanni Aborowa, Yarra Ranges: Club says: She is defending her under-11 high jump state title from last year, making the rise to under-12. One to look out for.
Jack Abbruzzese, Albury: Club says: Broke a record in the hurdles at Regions in under-15 boys to qualify for state and is a solid performer. The hurdles in the under-15 boys will be a race not to miss.
Havana Ali, Essendon: Club says: Finished third recently in the Northern Metro Region in her walking event.
Brody Ashby, Pakenham: Club says: Will compete in discus and shot put in under-9 and is a chance of success.
Fraser Aubrey, Warragul: Club says: Fraser will compete in the 1500m race walk in under-15. Has placed third at state titles in the walk the last two years. The aim for Aubrey is to move up in the race results with the goal of rejoining the Victorian representative team as an under-15 this year in Adelaide.
Lilly Barnes, Craigieburn: Club says: Shows her relentless commitment to discus propelling her to secure a gold medal at the Region track and field this year. Earlier in the season Lilly also shattered her home club’s centre record in Discus, marking a remarkable achievement for her this year in the under-10 girls competition. Will now look for gold success at state titles.
Sienna Bilinski, Corio: Club says: An exceptional jumper who competes at state and national level with Little Athletics, Athletics Victoria and School Sports Victoria. Will compete in three events in under-14.
Cohen Bisby, South Melbourne: Club says: A new kid on the block and a very good 400m and 800m runner. Was a silver medallist in both at regionals. One to watch how he goes at state titles. Will compete in under-13.
Alexis Borkovic, Keilor: Club says: One of our many sprinters and broke records recently in the 200m and high jump. She is expected to excel in the sprints and could take gold in her first state titles. She will compete in under-9.
Maddison Boyd, Traralgon: Club says: In great form, winning three gold medals at Regions. She will compete in under-17 in 1500m, 800m and 400m.
Mitchell Browne and Will Browne, Kilmore: Club says: Both will compete in the javelin, shot put and discus and have had recent success heading into the state titles. Mitchell will compete in under-16 and Will in under-13.
D’Juan Bux, Preston/Reservoir: Club says: D’Juan is full of energy, talent and potential. Being under-9 it is his first state track and field championship. Along with Leon (below) he will be competing in a number of events over the weekend and is quite the little sprinter.
Felicity Buza, Pakenham: Club says: Will compete in four events in under-13 in the 200m, 100m, 80m hurdles and 200m hurdles. She is a Victorian representative at the recent nationals in senior athletics.
Ryder Cardamone, Craigieburn: Won the region title gold in both shot put and discus. Ryder also won gold in his first region competition last year for shot put and discus. Ryder has been doing Little Athletics since under-6 and has broken multiple Centre Records in shot put, discus, vortex and turbo javelin. Will compete in under-10.
Liam Carroll, Diamond Valley: Club says: Despite his small stature this young man can sprint and jump with the best of them. Will compete in four events in under-12 and will be near the top in all events.
Leonka Chandrasena, Chelsea: Club says: Potentially Chelsea’s strongest medal chance at the states, Leonka has proven himself against the best throwers in the state. Leonka holds multiple throwing records at Chelsea and continues to shine at all levels of the competition. Will compete in under-15 boys in javelin, discus and shot put.
Zoe Clarke, Yarra Ranges: Club says: The under-15 middle distance runner will be hoping to finish on the podium for the 800m and 1500m going in as the fastest qualified athlete from all Region track and field competitions.
Harrison Copley, Pakenham: Club says: Will compete in under-9 and is a chance of success.
Finn Daffey, Keilor: Club says: Is a beautiful runner who is dominant in the 800m and has broken club records in other events. Will compete in multiple events in under-17.
Zaria Dalton, Warragul: Club says: Dalton will compete in track and field at the state titles and represented Victoria in the all-school championships in Perth last year. She has been training hard with her goal to place and book a spot in the Victorian under-14 team for the national Little Athletics titles in Adelaide.
Joshua David, Chelsea: Club says: Josh is in his second year at Little Athletics and has natural jumping ability, both in vertical and horizontal jumps. Josh is a fun kid with enormous potential and is improving every week. We expect him to put in a strong performance in both high jump and triple jump in under-12 at states this weekend.
Leon Davis, Preston/Reservoir: Club says: Leon is an amazing little athlete and a wonderful little human too. He is a bit of a ‘cheerleader’ at our club, always cheering on his fellow athletes in all age groups and showing genuine excitement for all their achievements. He excels in multiple events and is one to look for in the 800m. As an under-9 this will be his first state track and field titles.
Charlie Debono, Keilor: Club says: Charlie should go very well in the long distance races where he shines. He has broken the 1500m record at the club. Will compete in under-13.
Callum Duddy, Sandringham: Clubs says: He is in under-12 boys and competing in the long jump, 80m hurdles, 100m and 400m. A chance to win a medal or two.
Mackenzie Duddy, Sandringham: Club says: Will compete in the under-11 age group and is competing in long jump, 100m, 200m, triple jump and 80m hurdles. A chance to win a medal as well.
Theodore Eliadis, Berwick: Club says: He will be hard to beat in shot put and discus in under-15 boys.
Leanne Ellis, Keilor: Club says: Leanne has proven to be a very successful long distance runner and has broken the 1500m record twice this season. Will compete in the under-16 1500m.
Oscar Ellis, Berwick: Club says: He will be right in the mix in the 200m and 400m in under-14 boys.
Reeve Evans, Shepparton: Club says: Reeve is under-17 and in his final year of Little Athletics and has been a great competitor. Reeve got silver last year in the hurdles at state titles. He claimed silver this season at the recent state combined events while carrying a spinal stress fracture injury that he was unaware of at the time. Reeve is a Hurdles specialist and is competing in the short and long hurdles this coming weekend.
Alani F, Gisborne: Club says: Will compete in shot put in under-12 girls. She has a newly found liking to shot put and a cannon of an arm to match.
Elke F, Gisborne: Club says: Will compete in 400m, 200m, 80m hurdles and long jump in under-11 girls. Dreams to be the next Sha’Carri Richardson.
Bailey Farrington, Keilor: Club says: Expect a fast run from Bailey as he tries to claim his first individual state title. He has broken eight records this season and is determined to put on a great show down the front straight. Will compete in under-17.
Will Ferro, Chelsea: Club says: Will has been doing Little Athletics since under-6, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Charles. Both are talented runners. Will has established himself as a great sprinter in under-9 boys and we expect him to challenge the top runners at states.
Hudson Fisher, Albury: Club says: Is no stranger to state titles, Hudson is a multiple state medallist from last year’s championships and continues to go from strength to strength this season. Also contesting five events this year in his age group, under-10 boys.
Micah Friend, Yarra Ranges: Club says: He is a talented multiclass athlete competing in five events over the weekend.
Dane Greig, South Melbourne: Club says: Likely to medal in shot put in under-14. He was the gold medallist for senior athletics in shot put this year.
Tom Guastella, Berwick: Club says: A chance to repeat his under-9 race walk gold medal at the state titles last year in under-10 this year.
Finnan H, Gisborne: Club says: Will compete in 800m and 400m in under-9 boys. It is his first year competing at the next level and he is laser focused on smashing his personal bests.
Isabella H, Gisborne: Club says: Will compete in 1500m, 800m and 400m in under-12 girls. A very promising and determined young distance athlete.
Nate Hall, Berwick: Club says: He will go very close in both hurdle events in under-14 boys.
Toby Hamilton, Diamond Valley: Club says: Excelling in high jump and javelin having competed at last year’s All Schools Nationals in Perth. He won bronze in the in the high jump. He is one to watch in under-14 and will be competing in Adelaide next month at the national Little Athletics titles.
Isla Harris, Sandringham: Club says: Will be looking to beat the state record in the hurdles this weekend in her event. She said ‘I’m hoping for a tailwind and a bit of luck at the weekend (to beat it).’ Harris loves athletics and can’t wait to compete at the state titles.
Jensen Harrison, Diamond Valley: Club says: A star on the rise who has qualified for the 80m hurdles, the 200m, 400m, long jump and discus in under-11. He will be strong in discus long jump and 80m hurdles.
Sarah Hastings, Chelsea: Club says: Sarah has been breaking some old records at Chelsea Little Athletics this year and is a natural distance runner. Sarah took the win at Southern Metro Regional regionals in the 1500m in a great time of 5.09.94 and we expect her to be a strong competitor at states in under-17 girls both the 1500m and 400m.
Alyvia Heaver, Craigieburn: Club says: Only started Little Athletics in the 2022/23 season, smashing multiple centre records in track and field and took home the Northern Metro Region title for 200m this year. Alyvia is a humble but strong promising sprinter and athlete who qualified for state titles in five events in under-14. She pushes herself to the limit bringing home new personal bests with each performance.
Nikini Herath, Berwick: Club says: Throwing is her specialty and a gold medal repeat is a possibility in under-10.
Patrick Holbery, Chelsea: Club says: He was the Chelsea Little Athletics boys centre champion the past two seasons. Patrick is a previous medal winner at states, winning silver in the 400m as an under-9 and narrowly missed the podium last year in this event. We expect Partick to challenge the podium at states this year in under-11 in 400m. He has also qualified in the 200m, long jump and triple jump.
Jack Ille: Sandringham: Club says: An eight-year-old competing at his first state titles. After watching his brother compete in the last three years he is very excited to finally be old enough to compete himself. He has qualified for 5 events.
Tom Jeffrey, Chelsea: Club says: Tom is new to Little Athletics this year and has taken little time to establish himself as a fabulous thrower. Tom has already broken several throwing records at Chelsea this year and went on to place 1st at Southern Metro Region titles in under-13 in shot put and second in discuss. We expect to see Tom right up there at states this year.
Jed King, Port Fairy: Club says: Will compete in the shot put, discus and javelin in under-16 and in his first year competing for Port Fairy is a chance for a medal or two.
Ruby King: Port Fairy: Club says: Will compete in under-12 girls in discus and shot put. This is her second state titles for Port Fairy.
Zach Kirk, Albury: Club says: After breaking the record in the 200m hurdles at Region level to qualify for the state, Zach is one to watch in under-14 boys. He is no stranger to state having won numerous medals last year and competed for Victoria in at the national Little Athletics titles.
Bridget Koczek, Chelsea: Club says: Bridget is a great example of a committed athlete who is now in her final year of competition at Little Athletics after starting at under-6. Bridget is an all rounder, and we expect her to challenge the podium in discuss and javelin in under-17 girls where she won silver in both of these events at Southern Metro Region.
Shae Langley, Pakenham: Club says: Will compete in under-17 in the 100m and 200m and is a chance for a medal.
Faith Little, Sandringham: Club says: Has been a Little Athletics member since the age of five and now competes as an under-16. She has competed at regional, state and national level across many disciplines. Her favourite events are sprints, hurdles and long jump and is a chance at success.
Ella Littlehales, Craigieburn: Club says: A distance runner who has been with Craigieburn Little Athletics for seven years. She set two new region records in the 1500m and 800m at the Northern Metro Region track and field last month. Ella has worked hard to improve her middle and long distance times and is aiming for a new personal best at the state titles.
Alice Ludlow, Shepparton: Club says: Alice is in the under-16 age group and has medalled in discus and shot put every year she has competed at the Little Athletics state championships. I expect Alice will medal in both events this coming weekend.
Eve Mann, South Melbourne: Club says: We’re very proud of our MultiClass athlete Eve. She always does her best in all events. Will compete in under-11 girls.
Indigo Marshall-Moodie, Berwick: Club says: Is going for a hat-trick of gold medals in the race walk event in under-11 girls.
Kobi Matheson, Corio: Club says: A talented multi class athlete who performs well in a range of events with Little Athletics at state level, and has represented Victoria with School Sports. Will compete in five events in under-13.
Ryan Matzkows, Preston Reservoir: Club says: Ryan is currently the longest standing athlete at the club having started here in under-7 and being the only athlete to return after our 2019/20 season track redevelopment. He has developed as a sprinter in the last couple of seasons and found a love for high jump, continually improving on his personal best height and technique. Will compete in under-14.
Mark Mavrakis, Keilor: Club says: Mark has spectacular speed, and is an incredible athlete for his age. We expect Mark will finish very strong. Will compete in under-16.
Cassandra Mayne, Shepparton: Club says: Cassandra finished in ninth place in the under-14 age group earlier this season at the state combined events. Cass has been excelling in triple jump and finished in fourth place at the Victorian Athletics Championships last Sunday and is also in a great position to medal this weekend.
Beau McKinnon, Yarra Ranges: Our under-14 boys race walker. Will be aiming to go one better than the silver medal at last year’s state championships in under-13.
Noah McMenamin, Keilor: Club says: He has 12 records this season and is a previous state champion in high jump on a few occasions. Noah should put up a great fight for any competitors. Will compete in under-17.
Portia Miller, Berwick: Club says: A three-time combined event gold medallist, keep an eye on her in 400m, hurdles and long jump in under-12 girls.
Asher Mitchell, Corio: Club says: A competitive performer in jumps and throws, hoping to back up some strong performances this season in under-17. Asher competes at state level with both Little Athletics and Athletics Victoria and will compete in five events.
Xander Mitchell, Corio: Club says: A dedicated throws athlete, hoping to add to his solid performances this season in under-13. Xander competes at state level with both Little Athletics and Athletics Victoria. Will compete in three events.
Amy Monger, Diamond Valley: Club says: A superstar in the making who will compete in under-10 female in 70m, long jump, 100m & high jump. She is one to watch in long jump and high jump.
Isabella Napolitano, Preston/Reservoir: Club says: Isabella is a great endurance athlete who can run all day. She is a quality cross code athlete who also excels at basketball. Keep and eye out for her in her in under-14 in the 800m and 1500m.
Jerome Nu’u, Craigieburn: Club says: Joined the club in 2019 to keep fit after rugby league season. Jerome’s goal this year was to push himself in the shot put and dedicate himself to extra training and coaching to achieve a new personal best. He competes in under-13.
Oli Oldfield, Diamond Valley: Club says: An amazing middle distance runner who coming off injury so wasn’t able to compete at last year’s state event. She’ll be hungry to get back on the podium this year and will compete in the 400m and 800m in under-14 female.
Polly Owen, Sandringham: Club says: Will compete in under-11 in hurdles, triple jump, long jump, 100m and 200m and is a chance of winning a medal.
Gabriel Owusu-Afriyie, Keilor: Club says: Gabriel is an up and coming hurdler who is performing very well. He’s broken the 80m hurdles record at the club twice this season and will look for a strong hurdle down the front straight on Sunday. Will compete in under-12.
Kamsi Ozoh, Shepparton: Kamsi claimed five gold medals at our Northern Country Region carnival. Kamsi is just starting out in the under-9 age group and is showing so much promise. She will definitely figure in the hurdles and also the 200m this weekend, going on times submitted from all the Regions. I feel she may have success in most of her events and is an exciting young prospect.
Darcy Parker, Essendon: Club says: Will compete in under-14 in the 200m hurdles, 400m, 800m and long jump. A chance of a medal or two at the event.
Ryder Peresso, Berwick: Club says: Could be in for a big weekend as he will be highly ranked in all five events he is doing in under-10.
Liam Piccolo, Pakenham: Club says: Will compete in under-16 in five events including the 300m hurdles, discuss, javelin, 400m and 100m hurdles. A chance to win a medal or two after competing at the recent senior athletics nationals for Victoria.
Eden Pike: Berwick: Club says: Has massively improved and be right in the mix in the 200m and 400m in under-14 girls.
Aleasha Read, Traralgon: Club says: A strong performer at Regions with three silvers. Will compete in under-17 in 1500m, 800m and 400m.
Matilda Read, Traralgon: Club says: Is having an outstanding season having won three state titles so far. Will compete in under-14 1500m walk.
Pippa Read, Traralgon: Club says: Pippa is a big improver this season, earning silver recently at the Regions. She will compete in under-11 at 1100m walk.
Mahir Pathak, Albury: Club says: Mahir has qualified in all five events in under-9 boys after winning gold in every event at Regions for his first state track and field titles. He also finished 6th at the recent state combined event for Little Athletics Victoria in his first state appearance.
Emily Pincott: Yarra Ranges: Club says: Is the current School Sport Victoria state high jump champion and is one to watch in under-12 girls high jump.
Jamie Ritchie, Diamond Valley: Club says: A sprint specialist who has been state champion for many years in the 100m, 200m and 400m events. She is the current School Sports Australia national champion in 200m and a silver medallist in 100m, she’s very fast.
Adele Roche, South Melbourne: Club says: Likely to medal in 400m. She was last year’s state champion and bronze medallist at senior athletics in the 400m this year. Will compete in under-15.
Georgia Robertson, Shepparton: Club says: Georgia finished eighth in the under-13 age group of the state combined events earlier this season. Georgia is in a great position to medal in the triple jump this weekend.
Luke Rollinson, Warragul: Club says: Luke will compete in both track and field this weekend in under-16. Rollinson has moved from strength to strength this season, breaking 13 centre records and placing first in the Victorian Athletic League including in the under-18 mixed 400m handicap event.
Steph S, Gisborne: Club says: Will compete in 60m hurdles and high jump in under-10 girls. Ready to jump her way to new heights and onto the podium.
Thomas Sarkies, Chelsea: Club says: Thomas competes against a very strong group of under-9 boys at Chelsea and had his first year competing at Southern Metro Region regionals this year. Thomas is also a fantastic soccer player and his father played professionally (Kristian Sarkies). Thomas is a natural sprinter and proved himself against the best at SMR where he placed 2nd in the 100m (15.19), 3rd in the 200m, (32.34) and 2nd in the 60m hurdles (11.29). Thomas is a determined young man and we expect him to be up there at the top level.
Hudson Stanford, Berwick: Club says: Would be the favourite to take out gold in shot put in under-13 boys.
Walter Somers, Preston/Reservoir: Club says: Walter will be competing in javelin over the weekend which he discovered is an event he really enjoyed and was progressively excelling at each time we ran it. He is a very kind, good hearted young man who is always supporting and encouraging his fellow teammates.
Tilly Sommers, Yarra Ranges: Club says: Hoping for a top three finish in the race walk this weekend in her age group.
Mia Spencer, Berwick: Club says: Is a strong contender in long jump in under-13 girls.
Ethan Stegehuis, Keilor: Club says: Ethan is an incredibly strong hurdler, who has records in both the short and long hurdles. A very fierce competitor, Ethan is a top hope to take home the hurdle honours in under-17. Ethan also coaches younger athletes in hurdles and sprints.
Leila Stegehuis, Keilor: Club says: Leila broke the hurdles record this season and is also a very competent high jumper. With a personal best she could take out the state title. Will compete in under-15 girls.
Sahan Sugathapala, Craigieburn: Club says: An all rounder in Little Athletics who has really improved this year and shown he is a strong athlete. Sahan qualified for state in all four of his track and field events after two gold and two silver at the Region track and field last month. Sahan has achieved many centre records at Craigieburn.
Ella Sutherland, Keilor: Club says: Ella has broken the discus record twice this season and is a very technical thrower. Looking for great results from Ella who also medalled at Athletics Victoria state championships. Will compete in under-15 discus.
Anamai Szirom, Albury: Club says: Coming off the back of Athletics Victoria state titles where she brought home four medals. Her age group under-13 girls will be hotly contested at Little Athletics state titles. A solid performer in all her events she is one to watch.
Mikayla Talbot, Albury: Club says: In her last state track and field titles Mikayla is looking to take the long jump and triple jump double in under-17 and should also feature in the sprints and hurdles. She is a multiple state medallist and is always fantastic to watch.
Istvan Terkely, Craigieburn: Club says: He started athletics two years ago through the School Sport Victoria program and with his hard work and dedication won the state triple jump title for his division in 2023. He joined Little Athletics Victoria this season and had success at the Regional Relay carnival winning multiple events with his teammates and is hoping to repeat his success this weekend in the triple jump in under-11.
Lana Thyssen, Traralgon: Club says: In great form after winning gold at Regions. Will compete in under-10 60m hurdles.
Mackenzie Turner: Berwick: Club says: The under-16 girls competitor could go back to back in the race walk.
Ela Uzun, Essendon: Club says: A record breaker who won gold recently in the Northern Metro Region in her walking event.
Lilah Viney, Keilor: Club says: A great long distance runner who we expect a bold run from given her talent. She will compete in under-11 in the 1500m.
Xavier Wiese, Corio: Club says: A rising natural talent in a range of events, this is Xavier’s 3rd year competing with Little Athletics and first year at state level. He will compete in five events in under-16.
Ruby Withers, Keilor: Club says: Loves her throwing events and in discus she should lead the way. She has broken Keilor’s discus record twice this season. Will compete in under-12.
Holly Yorke, Yarra Ranges: Club says: Hoping for a top three finish in the race walk this weekend in her age group.
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