PORT Stephens Athletics Club has unearthed a real find in fifteen-year-old rookie Tom Collier.

The fresh-faced Tomaree High schoolboy is an athlete to watch after his gold medal haul at the Port Hunter Zone Little Athletics Championships at Wallsend last weekend.

Competing in his inaugural championship meet, the versatile Collier claimed gold in all five events he entered – winning the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints, long jump and javelin to cap a memorable debut in competitive track and field.

It was a phenomenal performance by the gifted teenager, who only took up athletics earlier this year.

Leading Port Stephens coach Bob Walkley tips a bright future for the raw-boned prodigy.

“There is plenty of upside in young Tom,” Walkley said.

“I’ve been working on Tom’s technique since the start of the year and he continues to improve in leaps and bounds,” quipped the experienced mentor.

“He shows loads of natural ability across all track and field disciplines and has the raw speed and power to go a long way in the sport.

“Tom is strong and flexible and has a background in martial arts that has kept him in good stead for a career in athletics.

“Bringing home five gold medals is a tremendous achievement in your first big competition meet but there is still room for improvement,” he added.

Collier can be found honing his athletics skills each Tuesday afternoon at the Tomaree Sports Complex.

Another top Port Stephens Athletics prospect Anna Taylor-Anderson collected three gold medals at the Port-Hunter Zone titles – recording personal best efforts to win the 90 metre hurdles (14.27 sec), high jump (1.40m) and triple jump (10.27m) events.

By Chris KARAS