Article content to accompany middle photo (Haddi El Shorbagy). "Javelin talent makes a mark. Teen puts in champion effort at championships. Within two years of picking up a javelin for the first time, one Carnegie teen has been thrown into the national spotlight. Haddi El Shorbagy, 13, was named overall javelin champion at the Australian All Schools Championships in Adelaide last December, after throwing a personal best of 45.35m. The Caulfield Little Athletics member is now setting his sights on the Olympics in the future, and trains and competes up to five times a week to make it happen. “I was so nervous when I was about to throw at the nationals and my first throw wasn’t very good, but my second throw was good and I got excited after that,” Haddi said. Haddi first specialised in discus and shot put before trying hammer throw and finally picking up a javelin. “I honestly like them all and at other times I hate them too. It can be hard work but fun too,” he said. Mum Therese McEvoy said Haddi had gone from a shy boy to a confident teen thanks to the sport. “It’s actually changed his life since finding this thing that sets him apart from the rest,” Ms McEvoy said. “He’s gone from not even being able to throw one a few years ago to being in the nationals. “It’s quite unbelievable and it’s just a rollercoaster.” Last year, Haddi also took home three gold medals at the School Sport Victoria Secondary School Athletics State Championships and two gold medals at the All Schools State Championships." Written by Emma-Jayne Schenk. Picture by Wayne Taylor