Top performances at junior athletics champs

It has been said many times that athletics is the foundation sport.

Most of the region’s best performing athletes got their start in junior (or children’s) athletics. But not just athletes.

The young sprinter of today may be the Stag of tomorrow, the under-age high jumper shining today might be a Southland Sharks player or in the Steel line up tomorrow.

Jimmy Taylor is a good example. Not long ago he was a good performer at Surrey Park, now he’s making a name for himself in a Highlanders jersey.

Last weekend’s Sth junior athletic champs produced a number of champions worth keeping an eye on in years ahead and could be champions of the future – but in what sport?

From left; Hunter Flowers, Charlotte Hawkes, Mille McFadzien and Jorgia Tucker.

Cody Lawson (Invercargill club) cleaned up in the B14 sprints but is also a talented rugby player. Millie McFadzien (Gore) showed her athletic promise by winning the G14 800 and 1500, but also has equestrian high on her sporting priorities. Harry Fletcher (Invercargill) was impressive in the B14 discus and is also a future prospect in rugby and league.

Perhaps the best and most exciting race of the day was Millie’s 800 where she just edged out Jorgia Tucker (St Pauls) in a sprint finish.

And the list goes on. Maybe when admiring the talent of a sporting star sometime in the future you can say “I saw it first at Surrey Park.”

While older grades had the best performances (at 13 or 14 they start to specialise) it was the all-round ability of the younger athletes that stood out.

Charlotte Hawkes (St Pauls) dominated all G11 distances from 100m to 1500m as did Max Weigersma in the Boys 12. Hunter Flowers (St Pauls) won the B11 200, 400, 800 and 1500).

Ruby Stewart (Inv) showed versatility in the G12 sprints, hurdles and long jump. Zoe Muir looked to be following in the footstep of her Commonwealth Games representative mother (Jane Arnott as she was then) by winning the G12 discus, 400 and 800.

The younger grades showed the same versatility, but with the fun of running, jumping and throwing appearing to be more important than placings.

Most the young athletes at Surrey Park last weekend have the opportunity to do it all again with the Sth Primary School (and for the older grades, Secondary School) Champs coming up next month.