11-year-old Myla Hurst shatters 24-year club record with stunning 1500m run at Geraldton Athletics Centre

An 11-year-old rising star has rewritten the record books at the Geraldton Athletics Centre, with young distance runner Myla Hurst breaking a long-standing club record that had stood for 24 years. Hurst, who first took up long-distance running in the under-7 age group, clocked an impressive 5:34.62 in the 1500m at a club competition on November 7 — comfortably surpassing the previous record of 5:49.94, set by Ashton Kealy in 2001. For Myla, running is more than a sport; it’s a passion. “My favourite event is the 1500m because I’m very good at it. I’ve always done really well at my school cross country and athletics and always do my best so I’m happy that I beat that record.” During races, Myla said she motivates herself with the simple mantra: “Keep going, just don’t die.” Myla trains under the guidance of Gary Clark, a former State-level distance runner and long-time club member with more than six decades of experience in the sport and the current chair of the Mid West Academy of Sport. Clark began coaching Myla nine months ago and quickly recognised her exceptional endurance and drive. “She’s the youngest in the squad, but she does everything we ask of her,” Clark said. “We’re down here three-four days a week, and she does all that work on her own as well. She shows a lot of endurance for someone her age.” Clark praised Myla’s determination and work ethic, qualities he said were essential in long-distance running. “Distance running is very hard and very selfish — you’re on your own a lot. It’s all determination and willpower, and she’s got all that,” he said. “Her run was magnificent. There have been some wonderful athletes come through this club, so to break a 24-year record — and to do it quite comfortably — is amazing. “We’re going to see a lot more of her.”