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Despite weeks of wet weather and disrupted training, Hawkesbury’s young track and field stars posted outstanding results at the Sydney West Schools Athletics Championships, held 6–7 August at Sydney Olympic Park.
Many of the athletes — products of the Kurrajong-Bilpin Little Athletics program and now training under Wests Athletics coach Marilyn Pearson — earned medals, personal bests, and qualification for the NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) Championships in September.
Among the standout performances, Noah Vella won the 1500m walk in the 12–15B division, recording a big personal best of 7:32.32, and placed fourth in the 3000m. Maisie Mitchell took gold in the 3000m walk and silver in the 1500m. Tamara Davies claimed gold in the 90m hurdles and silver in long jump, while Tahlia Chapman topped the 1500m walk, finished second in the 800m, and third in the 1500m.
Luca De Burnay Thompson leapt to gold in the long jump with 6.53m and silver in high jump. Charlotte Beddall helped her 17G relay team to a first-place finish. Blake Dunn and Harrison Keane both secured bronze medals in jumping events, with Keane also contributing to a bronze in the 4x100m relay.
Coach Pearson praised the group’s commitment. “Training has been tough lately — illness, injuries, and a lot of cancelled sessions — but they’ve shown real maturity and drive. For so many to make it through to CHS is a credit to how hard they’ve worked.”
The NSW CHS Championships will be held in September. Local supporters can follow the athletes’ progress via community Facebook groups and the Gazette.
Medal Tally – Sydney West Schools Athletics Championships:
