Little Athletics champions Bethany Moore-Kirkland and Ethan Kent head to Gold Coast for national high performance training camp

Two of the Southern Downs’ high performing athletes are set to train with the best in the country this weekend. See who’s representing the region here.

Southern Downs' little athletics champions Bethany Moore-Kirkland and Ethan Kent will train with the country's best at the national high performance training camp on August 24-25.

Two of the region’s young athletic champions have been selected to train and compete at the 2024 Coles Little Athletics National Camp.

The pair will be among 78 top-performing athletes to attend the high performance camp which is spearheaded by Australian Olympic gold medallist Glynis Nunn OAM.

Ms Nunn, along with Olympic coach Matt Horsnell and world discus champion Dani Stevens, will join together to share their knowledge and experience.

BETHANY MOORE-KIRKLAND

Southern Downs teenager Bethany Moore-Kirkland's dedication to the sport of race walking saw her compete in the national competition in Adelaide in 2024. Photo: Supplied

Warwick teenager Bethany Moore-Kirkland is a race walker who claimed first place in the 1500m at the 2024 Coles Little Athletics State Championship in Brisbane.

The 14-year-old also took home second place at the national championships in Adelaide earlier in the year.

Beth started competing in race walking around five years ago, driven by a harmless dose of sibling rivalry with sister Elliza.

Taking the sport more seriously this past year, the 14-year-old has competed in multiple national and state championships as well as local Little Athletics competitions.

Beth said she enjoys training long distance and will often split up her walking and running distance.

Southern Downs' little athlete Bethany Moore-Kirkland in action at the 2024 Little Athletics State Championship in Brisbane. Photo: Supplied

While a large portion of her time is dedicated to her training, school work is still a top priority.

“It is tough sometimes but I go to school early to do my tutoring and then train in the afternoons after school,” she said.

Beth’s mother Kirsty Moore couldn’t be more proud of her daughters and their dedication.

“They both train by themselves every afternoon, we’ve never asked them to train and they know their school work must get done,” Ms Moore said.

Excited to catch up with old friends, Beth is also looking forward to learning some new tips at the training camp.

Beth encourages any young athletes who are thinking of race walking competitive to give it a go.

ETHAN KENT

Stanthorpe teenager and javelin champion Ethan Kent took home second place at the Little Athletics State Championship. Photo: Supplied

Stanthorpe teenager Ethan Kent was inspired to try javelin after watching his older brother compete in Little Athletics competitions.

For around four or so years the young athlete has trained in javelin with Little Athletics, and is now in his second year of performing at national and state levels.

Ethan isn’t the only family member committed to his training, with his mother Sonia Kent happy to transport her teenage sons to Warwick each Wednesday for training with Rogers Sports Coaching.

“We’re happy to commit to the travel, we’re very proud of both their achievements and dedication,” she said.

“We see real potential in them and their dreams.”

Southern Downs' little athlete Ethan Kent ready to throw his javelin. Photo: Supplied

Ethan said he’s hoping to make a career out of javelin, with his eyes set on a place at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Ethan is looking forward to learning from the best of the best and will focus on his performance for upcoming competitions.

While javelin is not the easiest sport to get the hang of, Ethan encourages anyone wanting to give it a go.

“You’re not going to be the best at the start but you will get better,” he said.

Originally published as Little Athletics champions Bethany Moore-Kirkland and Ethan Kent head to Gold Coast for national high performance training camp