Pictures: Teen talent targets Youth Games after state sprint double

The first overseas trip of her life could be on the agenda after a rising teen from the North-West issued a statement at the state athletics championships on the weekend. Plus, check out our pic gallery of the action.

North West Athletics Club's Chelsea Scolyer (left) powers home to win the open 100m title at the Tasmanian Track and Field Championships at Launceston on the weekend. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

RISING teenager Chelsea Scolyer has set her sights on representing Australia at the Commonwealth Youth Games after issuing a statement against older rivals at the Tasmanian Track and Field Championships at Launceston on the weekend.

The 16-year-old from Turner’s Beach clocked 11.71 secs (wind assistance + 0.8) to win the open 100m crown from Kiana Allen (11.80, Eastern Suburbs).

The North-West Athletics Club member faced a nervous wait to see if the run was under the legal wind assistance of +2.0, and was overjoyed when her run got the green light.

It was a new state under 17, 18, 19 and 20 record, and she secured the double by taking out the 200m (24.34, wind assistance +1.5) the following day.

“It (100m run) was a Commonwealth Youth Games qualifier. I actually thought it was the slowest race of my life,” Scolyer said.

Podium getters Kiana Allen (bronze, Eastern Suburbs), Chelsea Scolyer (gold, North West) and Bec Kovacic (bronze, Uni of Tas) after the 100m open final at the Tasmanian Track and Field Championships in Launceston on the weekend. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“I’m pretty excited about that given it’s on a Tasmanian track, and really not the best conditions on the mainland. I”m absolutely in shock.

I haven’t officially made it (Youth Games) yet, but getting the time is the first step.

“It gives me great confidence. I’ve run 11.94 legally before and now I’ve shaved lke 0.2 off that.”

Pictures: Tasmanian Track and Field Championships

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Scolyer was hampered by an achilles issue and shin splints last year, but is rapt her application is reaping rewards.

“Last year I was injured and couldn’t compete at state or nationals, but to come back and realise the hard work has paid off is crazy,” she said.

“I used to be stuck on around 12.2 and now to make it to 11.7 is great.”

A number of other records were broken in ideal conditions during the three-day carnival at the Northern Athletics Centre at St Leonards.

RECORDS

Chelsea Scolyer (North West) - first in open 100m 11.71 (under 17, 18, 19, 20 state record)

Violet Owen (Sandy Bay Harrier) - second in open 1500m, 4:30.21 (under 14, 15, 16 state record)

Isabella Wing (North Launceston) - first in under-18 100m, 12.05 (under 16 state record)

Tene Terblanche (Old Virgilians) - first in under 14 80 hurdles, 13.21 (under 14 state record)

Cammi Thomas (Newstead) - first in under 14 triple jump, 11.24m (under 13, 14 state record)

Blake Doyle (Old Virgilians) - first in under 18 110m hurdles, 14.31 (under 17 state record)

Samuel Lindsay (Newstead) - first in 5000m under 18 race walk, 23:10.89 (under 15 state record)