Thrower WINS ANOTHER GOLD

Millmerran thrower defends his national shot put title

GOLD STAR: Jack Smith celebrates his national shot put victory. Smith threw 15.62m at the All Schools Championships beating his nearest rival by more 1m. Picture: Contributed

ATHLETICS: Jack Smith has added another page to the Darling Downs' proud throwing legacy.

The Millmerran 11-year-old has returned from the All Schools Championships with shot put gold - smashing records on the way to defending his 2017 title.

Smith attributed his success to a simple approach and lots of hard work.

"I feel like I enjoyed myself more this year - I didn't have as many nerves,” he said.

"This time I knew what to expect so I was able to enjoy it and that really helped my confidence.

"When I'm throwing I just focus on exactly what I have to do to throw my best - it's important to do that because everything little thing counts.”

Determined to back up his 2017 victory Smith said he spent a lot more time training this year.

"I train with my coach once a week and I go down to school (Millmerran State School) twice a week with mum to throw,” Smith said.

"I knew I had to work harder at training this year. I don't really enjoy it (training) but it's important because it has helped me improve my technique a lot.”

The young student, who dreams of representing Australia one day, is also a keen discus thrower and is undecided on where his future lies.

"I could throw discus all day,” he said.

"But when it comes to competition I prefer shot put.

"Representing Australia one day would be great. Not many people get to do that so it would be really special.”

Originally published as Thrower WINS ANOTHER GOLD