Locals clean up with 133 medals during the WA Country Championships in Geraldton
With more than 400 athletes across 12 regional clubs in Geraldton for the WA Country Championships last week, local athletes achieved record-breaking performances on their home turf.
There was more than 20 country records broken over the weekend, with Geraldton athletes breaking seven of them, with four holding them at the end of the championships.
In the girls under-17 1500m race walk, Tahlia Singleton won gold in a time of 9min. 14.96sec., which broke the previous record that had stood for 22 years.
Geraldton set two new records in the hurdles, with the girls under-12 80m hurdles 86cm new record of 13.85sec. being set by Amelia Heinrich, and a time of 17.75sec. in the boys under-16 110m hurdles 76cm coming from Logan Kirkland.
Lochie Hadley set the new record in the boys under-14 javelin throw 700g with the distance of 33.92m.
Three more Geraldton athletes broke records, but didn’t hold on to them as they were beaten out by other athletes.
As a whole, Geraldton cleaned up in the medal count with a total of 133 including 39 golds, 51 silvers and 43 bronze.
Geraldton Athletics Centre president Phill Hadley said local athletes put their best foot forward in representing the city during the championships.
“This event brings regional athletes together to not only gauge their skills, but to also make lifetime friendships,” he said.
“Our club’s families enjoy travelling to other country centres and we were proud to welcome everyone to Geraldton this year.
“We had 50 athletes represent our club and the competition was tough, but they rose to the challenge showcasing their abilities in all track and field events, bringing home 133 medals between them, earning many PBs and securing four country records.”
The athletes who took home silver and gold medals qualify for the Athletics West State Championship Track and Field competition.
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