The NSW Junior Championships took place between March 13th and 16th, at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre (SOPAC). The event featured a very strong presence from the Sydney University Athletics Club (SUAC), with 29 athletes competing for the club in their respective events.
Day 1 Highlights
On the championships’ first day, SUAC athletes made a strong impression. James Harden stole the show with a gold medal in the Men’s 400m Hurdles, completing the event in an impressive 54.16 seconds. His tactical and perfectly executed performance set the tone for the rest of the competition. Elizabeth Godwin also secured a silver medal in the same event.
Milana Henderson earned a silver medal in the Women’s Pole Vault, her first outing in all white, while Chelsea Roberts achieved a fantastic silver in the Women’s 5000m Walk. These early successes highlighted the depth of talent among SUAC members and set the stage for more exciting performances.
Day 2 Highlights
Tali Baltineshter won the Women’s Javelin, while Toby Camilleri secured second place in the men’s division. Mitchel Hatfield backed up his winning form, winning the high jump with a jump of 2M.
Billy Blair earned a new personal best in the Men’s 110m Hurdles, taking silver. Coco Espie dominated by winning the 400m Wheelchair Event and taking silver in discus and shot put.
Day 3 Highlights
On Day 3, the momentum continued with Holly Rea achieving a magnificent 1st place in the Women’s 100m, breaking the 12-second barrier.
Isaac Kwan also had a standout performance, finishing 2nd in his event with a lifetime best of 10.78 seconds—just 0.01 seconds behind the winner.
Coco Espie continued her winning streak by taking the top spot in the Women’s 100m Wheelchair division. Aspen Lambert demonstrated her endurance and stamina by winning the 3000m with a new personal best and finishing 6th in the 1500m.
Additionally, Analin Rudd secured 2nd place in the women’s long jump with a jump of 5.51 meters, while Avilash Tharmanesan placed 5th in the U20 shot put.
Day 4 Highlights
Analin Rudd returned to the track for the final day of the championships, picking up a silver in the Women’s Triple Jump with a 12.01M jump. Coco Espie won again in the Women’s 1500m Wheelchair Event division. Holly Rea finished a super 2nd in the Women’s 200m, and Billy Blair 3rd in the men’s division.
After last weekend’s success, all eyes are set on this weekend’s NSW Open Championships, which will take place from March 20th to 23rd, 2025, at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.
