Maddington Little Athletics Club has capped off a standout season, taking home all the major shields at the Gosnells and Districts Little Athletics Centre.
The club claimed both Champion Club Shields, along with the Walks Shield and the Multi Events Shield, marking a clean sweep across the competition.
Several athletes were also recognised for their individual performances.
Grayson D’Agnone Doyle was named Overall Junior Boys Champion, Lucy Vanderputt took out Overall Junior Girls Champion, and Elizabeth John was awarded Senior Girls Champion.
U18 captain Jackson Almstrom noted the achievement meant more than just trophies.
“It felt really special and I’m very proud of our whole club,” he said.
“Winning all the shields shows how hard everyone worked and how strong our club is when we help and support each other.
“It was my last season, so it was really nice to finish on such a big high.”
He said the season’s success came down to teamwork across the club.
“Our athletes gave their best every week, our coaches helped everyone improve, and the parents and volunteers supported the club all season,” he said.
“The whole club supported one another, cheering everyone on at competitions.”
Co-captain Shabira Muhafidin shared a similar view.
She pointed to the club’s culture as a key factor.
“Winning all the shields this year felt so gratifying and I felt so proud of all the athletes who competed this season,” she said.
“The sportsmanship that was demonstrated at training and competition really created an environment for everyone to thrive and do their best.”
The highlights for many went beyond results.
Jackson said seeing younger athletes celebrate their personal bests stood out.
“When the younger athletes would come and tell me about their PBs, I could see how happy they were,” he said.
“It reminded me when I first started athletics. I really liked that.”
Shabira said she enjoyed hearing from younger athletes as well.
“The highlights for me were when athletes would come and talk to me about how excited they were about their events or PBs or even new shoes that made them run faster,” she said.
Among the standout performers, U9 athlete Lucy Vanderputt said she was surprised to be named Overall Junior Girls Champion.
“She was very excited to hear her name as she didn’t think she was going to get it,” her response noted.
Lucy said she enjoyed qualifying for multiple events at the Little Athletics WA Challenge, with Turbo Javelin and shotput among her favourites as she continued to push herself to improve.
Fellow U9 athlete Grayson D’Agnone-Doyle said he felt “very happy and proud” to be named Overall Junior Boys Champion after a season of hard work, particularly in throws and walks.
“I love the throws but Turbo Javelin is my favourite,” he said.
“I train really hard. I came first at states for Turbo Javelin.”
He said winning at states and competing alongside friends were among his proudest moments.
Senior Girls Champion Elizabeth John said the recognition reflected her efforts across the season.
“It feels really exciting and I am so happy,” she said.
“I’ve worked hard all season, so being named Overall Champion means a lot to me.”
She said the twilight competition was a highlight, enjoying the atmosphere and time spent competing alongside teammates and making new friends.
Elizabeth hopes, in the future, to keep improving and aim for bigger competitions.
“Next season, I want to keep improving my times and continue developing my skills,” she said.
“I’d also like to do my absolute best at states and go compete at nationals.”
The club’s results reflect not just individual talent, but a season built on teamwork, support and a shared love for the sport.
