State athletes Oliver Hall, Millicent Hall, Sophie Eddy, Charlotte Gatacre, Isabella Goodear, Bella Leatham, and Lotus Gallpen-Brown before leaving for Sydney this week.
A talented group of young athletes from the Deniliquin District PSSA have this week taken on the best in NSW at the State Athletics Championships in Homebush.
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They each earned their places after progressing through school, zone, and Riverina levels.
Representing Deniliquin North Public School are Charlotte Gatacre (12 Girls 800m), Lotus Gallpen-Brown (12 Girls 200m), Oliver Hall (Junior Boys 800m and 1500m), and Millicent Hall (Junior Girls 1500m).
From Edward Public School, Isabella Goodear (12 Girls Shotput) and Bella Leetham (11 Girls Shotput) will compete.
Sophie Eddy is the only representative from Mathoura Public School this year, in the 1500m.
Coach Sarah Young praised the dedication of the group, noting “they have all been training really hard”.
“The long-distance competitors have been training since April, because of cross country,” she said.
That early preparation has paid off, with several of the athletes already having standout seasons.
It’s been a particularly big year for Isabella, who also represented Riverina in basketball, and for Sophie, Oliver, and Millicent, who all competed at state cross country.
Millicent also swam at state level earlier in the year, an impressive feat for an eight year-old competing against nine and 10 year-olds.
While most of the team have experienced state-level competition before, this will be Bella’s first time, though she’s taking it in stride.
“I’m a little bit nervous, but mostly excited,” the athlete said.
Parent and occasional coach Hayley Hall, mother of Millicent and Oliver, shared her hopes for the team.
“We’re hoping they make finals. It’s a great experience for them, and they’ve been putting in a lot of work.”
Competition started Wednesday and was continuing yesterday as the Pastoral Times went to print.
Lotus Gallpen-Brown, Millicent Hall, Charlotte Gatacre, Sophie Eddy, and Oliver Hall.
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