NSW Little Athletics titles: Day 2 stars, best storylines, records, results and photos
There were big celebrations, new state records, gold medal hauls and a growth spurt by one athlete which secured her a state title on the final day of the NSW Little Athletics championships.
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The final day of the NSW Little Athletics championships was full of action, new records and great performances by more than 2500 kids from across NSW representing their clubs with pride.
There was triumph for some, a little heartbreak for others and some thrilling finishes at the main stadium for the athletics with country and city young guns starring.
We take a look at some of the standouts.
NSW LITTLE ATHLETICS: DAY 1 WRAP
STARS WHO USED TO BE LITTLE ATHLETICS GUNS
WHAT A SHOT: GREAT ACTION PHOTO GALLERY
RASHID KABBA’S BIG TIME CELEBRATION
Rashid Kabba won both a gold in the U17 hurdles and one for the most athletic post race celebration on day two of the NSW Little Athletics championships at Sydney Olympic Park.
Rashid, from the Holroyd club, posted a state record time of 13.31 to beat Jordie Brown from Singleton 14.48 and Canterbury’s Uchenna Egbu 14.57.
“I might have done a bit to much,’’ Kabba said after his celebrations.
“I like to celebrate but I might have to tone it down.’’
Later, it turned out Kabba had plenty to celebrate with his time a state record.
The speedster said he is happy to take good form into the Australian athletics championships starting next weekend.
NATHANIEL CLARKE INSPIRED BY OLYMPIAN PETER BOLS
It can be tough being a country athlete sometimes.
Nathaniel Clarke had to travel eight hours from his home in Hay in the NSW Riverina just to compete at the Little Athletics as an independent athlete.
He doesn't have a club in town and he also doesn’t have a synthetic track to run on.
“I train on the local footy oval,’’ said the 14-year-old who won gold in the 800m and a bronze in his 400m race.
“I just love the thrill of running. I also like to show people I can do it.’’
Clarke said he has been inspired to a new level after watching Peter Bols at last year’s Tokyo Olympics with Brisbane 2032 his future aim.
“That’s where I want to be,’’ he said after his 800m race.
Nathaniel clocked a time of 2:03.92 to win from Alexander Marshall from Parramatta 2:03.95 and Nate Ward from Kotara South 2:06.31.
AMOSIA SOATINI SECURES A NEW RECORD
Another big performer at the meet was Amosia Soatini who threw a 18.25 to collect a new state record in the U17 shot put.
Others records at the meet included Rhema Adelaga’s 12.57 in the U12 hurdles, Taten Roger’s 12.96 equal record in the U11’s 80m hurdles and Sophie Howson’s 12.75 in the U11 80m hurdles.
GROWTH SPURT HELPS DELIVER GOLD TO ELLA PENMAN
Dubbo athlete Ella Penman has had a season to remember already and she reckons its got a lot to do with a growth spurt.
“I used to be really tiny but I've grown a lot. My coach says every time they see me I have grown,’’ said Ella who estimates she has grown more than 15cm in recent times.
Ella won the 800m under 17 race on Sunday after finishing second in the 400m.
“I got a Pb at the NSW junior sand two gold in the 800m and 400m,’’ she said of her recent form.
Ella now takes a shot of confidence into the upcoming Australian athletics championships which are also being raced in Sydney from next weekend.,
“I’ve never been a contender for a medal before,’’ she said.
Ella finished first in 2:12.97 with Adelaide Marshall from the Inner West second in 2:18.60 2 and Charlotte Priest from Kooringal Wagga third in 2:19.08 2
GOLD RUSH FOR TRENT ALLEY
Port Macquarie’s Trent Alley has been one of the standouts of the meet, winning his third gold medal on Sunday in the under 13 800m race.
And it’s little wonder.
“I train six days a week,’’ Trent said after his win.
“I just really like competing, the adrenaline gets you going and its nice and healthy.’’
Trent also won gold in the 1500m and 3km.
Trent does a variety of other sport, including playing AFL, swimming, cycling and triathlon.
Trent won in 2:11.69 from Joel Moresi from Cherrybrook 2:15.22 and Harrison Ferns from the Hills District in 2:16.04.
PHILIPPA QUARRELL HAS BIG LITTLE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The gold medals kept coming for northern beaches youngster Philippa Quarrell on Sunday.
The 12-year-old from Manly Warringah won the U13 800m race in 2:19.38 from Gosford’s Keira Toohey 2:19.86 and Eva Gawel from Campbelltown 2:24.62.
Philippa also won her 1500m and 3km races prior to the 800m.
“I like running a lot,’’ said the 12-year-old from Allambie Heights who also does surf life saving but missed out on racing at the state titles recently when they were cancelled due to the NSW floods.
In another great race, Isabella Wall from Tamworth (2:18.07) won the under 14s event from Sutherland’s Mathilda Delfs 2:19.12 and Cheyenne Murray from Milton-Ulladulla 2:22.25.
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Originally published as NSW Little Athletics titles: Day 2 stars, best storylines, records, results and photos
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