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U17 National Squad
The nation's capital were fortunate to engage with Australia's most promising Track & Field stars over the last weekend, including 10 previous Victorian Little Athletes of 51 selected national athletes whom form the Australian U17 Development squad.
Housed in the elite venue of the Australian Institute of Sport these athletes had the first opportunity to meet as a group, using facilities which can only be compare to world classed. Our future champions were granted the opportunity to also test out state of the art recovery facilities which would enable them to further enhance such unique abilities that they bestow.
“The squad was focused, keen to learn and very talented, making for a successful camp,” said National Youth Performance Manager Sara Mulkearns.
Programs were set up in order to best prepare athletes to take the next step furthering their international careers. Scheduling of informative sessions included media training, drug education and recovery education. With athletes coaches also in attendance over the course of the weekend they too participated in similar education sessions, ensuring both athletes and coach education levels were advancing concurrently.
“The opportunity to welcome the coaches here at the same time as their athletes makes that education easy and provides them with the chance to chat with and learn from the national youth event coaches.”
The squad were fortunate to be delivered an exciting and motivating presentation, by Commonwealth games bound athletes Melissa Breen and Kevin Moore. The presentation delivered on the Friday evening offered encouraging words associated with the thrill of representing your Country and proved an exciting benchmark of the weekend ahead.
The camp has established itself as the initial stepping stone for Australia's emerging talent squads, furthering their opportunities within the Athletics Australia pathway which includes programs such as the Under 19 Talent Squad, Commonwealth Youth Games, World Youth Championships, World Junior Championships and Youth Olympic Games.
Little Athletics Victoria wish our athletes and national athletes alike all the best as they further embark on their successful careers as athletes amongst the international circuit.
Current and previous Victorian Little Athletes are highlighted below:
National Under 17 Development Squad
Boys (5)
Sprints – Hugh Donovan, Jarrod Geddes, Eddie Neblett
400m – Jarryd Buchan, Jack Sheridan, Max Waldron
Distance – Jack Curran, Ruaridh (Rory) MacDonald
Hurdles – Jack Bangel, Michael Craggs
Horizontal jumps - Khaele Bowen
High jump – Brandon Starc
Pole vault – Brodie Cross, Keith Wrzuszczak
Throws – Lachlan Miller
Hammer throw – Jack Dalton, Luke Howse
Javelin throw – Luke Cann, Cruz Hogan, Elliot Lang
Combined events – Jake Grevsmuhl, Jake Stein
Walks – Jesse Osborne
Girls (5)
Sprints – Angela Byrne, Ella Nelson
400m – Eliza Bowers, Alex Bulic
Distance – Jenny Blundell, Christie Pearson, Katelyn Simpson
Hurdles – Chloe Jamieson
Hurdles/horizontal jumps – Margaret Gayen
Horizontal jumps – Chelsea Lemke, Demii Maher-Smith
High jump – Emily Crutcher, Kaitlin Morgan, Tara Strano
Pole vault – Paris McCathrion, Liz Parnov
Throws – Filoi Aokuso, Titilayo Wright
Throws/javelin throw – Taylah Sengul
Hammer throw – Rebecca Direen, Danielle McConnell
Javelin throw – Monique Cilione, Wasie Toolis
Combined events – Amie Blanden, Loughlyn Webb
Walks – Amy Burren, Hannah Watson, Jessica Pickles