IN what proved to be a very difficult year for athletics, Port Stephens Athletics Club

was able to proceed with the season, signing up 136 athletes.

Three of those athletes who rose to prominence were Aileesha Oudshoorn u/12 girls, Maebel Colley u/9 girls and Kade Lawson u/10 boys.

Because of Covid-19 there were no zone championships, but just one qualifying meet for athletes to try out for the State Little Athletics Championships

Aileesha, Maebe and Kade all qualified.

In extraordinary conditions of heavy rain and wind Kade competed in the 70m and was 7th in the final.

Maebel competed in 70m, 100m, 200m and long jump.

Maebel came 8th in the 70m final and 12th in long jump in her first time at the state championships.

Aileesha was scheduled to compete in the long jump on Saturday but all long jumps and triple jumps were cancelled due to the sand pits being flooded.

All athletes would need to return the following weekend for these events.

Aileesha’s first event would be the 80m hurdles on Sunday morning with a small break in the weather Aileesha was first in her heat with a new pb of 13.63s.

In the final, Aileesha came 2nd again with another personal best of 13.23s.

Aleeisha returned the following weekend for long and triple jump.

In the long jump on Saturday, things didn go to plan and Aileesha finished in 12th place.

Triple jump was on Sunday morning and saw Aileesha refocused, the lead swapped a couple of times but on the very last jump of the competition Aileesha won with a huge jump of 10.15m a 33cm personal best!

At the club presentation night, Maebel and Kade were crowned male and female club champions for the season.

Aileesha was awarded with u/12 girls age champion and the club service award, which is given to the athlete who makes an outstanding contribution to the club during the season.

Other notable performances at the State Championships were Mia Macdonald who became u/10g age champion and took out 4th in the 60m hurdles final.

Melody Tibbs went 5th in the u/12g high jump final and Emma Tibbs came 11th in u/10g high jump final.

 

By Bob WALKLEY, Club President Port Stephens Athletics Club