Mid West Academy of Sport athletes compete against the best, do themselves proud at nationals

Seven Mid West Academy of Sport track and field athletes finally got the chance to rub shoulders with some of the best athletes in the country at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth last weekend.

The meet was a hit for everyone involved with track sensation Gout Gout competing at the same event. The crowd was recorded as the largest since the 1962 Empire Games in Perth.

The meet covered all age divisions from the junior events under-13 through to under-20 and open. The first five days saw under-13s through to under-17s and the final five under-20s and open competing.

MWAS head coach and former State decathlon exponent, cross-country and marathon champion Gary Clark said in his 50 years as a competitor and coach it was the best nationals event in his time.

“This was by far the best-ever nationals with world class performances in all track and field disciplines,” he said.

“It is an exciting time for athletics and a credit to Australian Athletics, Athletics West, their coaches and pathways being developed for young athletes.”

While the MWAS athletes competing did not medal this year there were numerous personal bests and impressive results, with some making it into finals.

Under-18 heptathlete and State champion Macey Hadley kicked off the program in her first national appearance with a number of personal bests in the seven-event program, finishing eighth out of the 18 competitors.

Hadley will be one to watch next year according to Clark, as she will contest the same age group in 2026.

Reuben Chapman, who is the state champion in the under-17 division over the 110m and 400m hurdles narrowly missed out for a finals spot in the shorter distance.

However, he made the last nine for the final in the 400m, storming home to finish sixth in a closely contested event in a personal best time of 57.46.

This was also Chapman’s first national competition in this event, the toughest on the program and he has a bright future as a 400m hurdles specialist.

Geraldton’s diminutive little “pocket rocket” Amelia Heinrich, fresh from winning the state under-13 80m hurdles, ran well in the heats to make the final.

In a blanket finish with all competitors finishing within 0.08 sec., she was relegated to eighth position. Clark said next year would hold new possibilities for Heinrich.

“Next year Heinrich will step up to the longer hurdles that suit her,” he said. “She has a lot of talent, it’s now about finding the events that suit her best.”

Under-20 competitor Wynand Neethling was selected as a reserve in the 4 x 100m relay after an outstanding performance at the recent State titles but unfortunately did not get to start.

The silver medallist at the State titles in discus, Neethling was under a lot of pressure at nationals. With two no-throws Neethling was feeling the heat managing 38.8m, some 3m below his best. He did not make the last eight for additional throws.

He also competed in the javelin and was again below his best with a 45m throw, which had him finishing outside the top eight.

Clark indicated Neethling was one of the best all-round competitors in the State, with plans to go further in the future in different events.

“Look, Neethling is working towards competing in his first 10-event decathlon later in the year,” he said.

“The sky is the limit for Neethling, he’s an incredibly hard worker.”

Nicole Chamberlain contested the tough under-20 3000m steeple chase in her first outing over this distance.

The event was transferred from 9.30am to 12.30pm, the hottest part of the day and in 35C weather.

Both athletes and coaches vetted their concerns to the start time to no avail. Chamberlain started well over the 28 barriers and seven water jumps. Clark said it was the heat the got to her.

“She was in the top four for the early laps but the heat took its toll,” he said.

“She unfortunately faded in the closing stages, some 30 seconds outside her best time.”

Lochie Hadley contested the under-16 3000m race walk and did well to finish seventh in a time of 17min 42secs. a personal best.

Under-20 Rowan Chapman also ran a PB in the women’s under-20 400m hurdles and whilst not making the final cut, ran a very good 70 secs for the one-lap 10-barrier journey.