Two long-standing records at South Thornlie Little Athletics Club were broken on the same evening during the Gosnells Invitational multi-events, as young athletes competed in challenging summer heat.
The meet saw an under-13 sprinter break a 38-year-old 100-metre club record, while a senior athlete reset the club’s 800-metre mark, which had stood for 15 years.
Eleven-year-old Leon, competing in his first season with South Thornlie Little Athletics Club, broke the decades-old-100 -metre record while racing in the under-13 age group.
Leon said he was surprised by how fast the race felt.
“I felt so happy and was so surprised at how fast I had run,” he said.
He said the heat made the race harder than usual, but knowing he was close to t5he record helped him push through the final stretch.
“It felt harder, but I pushed past it because I knew I was close to the record,” he said.
Leon said joining the club had helped him improve his running and make new friends. He said he enjoys learning new events, including spirits, the 800 metres and long jump, and said representing the club was something he valued.
“I always liked running for my school and I wanted to improve my running,” he said.
Later that evening, under-18 athlete and club captain Joel Baker broke the club’s 800-metre record by a narrow margin.
Joel, who has been with the club for eight seasons, said he monitored his pace closely throughout the race.
“I checked my watch throughout the race to make sure I was on track,” he said. “As soon as I finished, I checked it again and saw I’d beaten it by milliseconds.”
He said the conditions were tough but familiar.
“No matter how hot or cold it is, I still try to run as quick as I can,” he said.
The club had trained in similar heat the day before, something Joel said helped him stay focused.
“Having a good mindset while dealing with conditions like that goes a long way,” he said.
Joel said athletics had given him more than just competition results. He said training alongside friends and helping younger athletes improve had been one of the most rewarding parts of his time at the club.
“Seeing them try their best is one of my favourite things about being part of athletics,” he said.
Coach Helen Ricci said it was rare to see two long-standing records broken on the same night.
“In general, it is quite hard for athletes to break records, let alone a record as old as the 38-year-old 100-metre record,” she said.
She said while the conditions were demanding, athletes at the club were accustomed to training ad competing in the heat.
“Being a summer sport, they are quite used to those conditions,” she said.
Ms Ricci described the club as family-oriented and driven by volunteers, with parents regularly involved in coaching and supporting athletes of different ages.
She said the commitment shown by families and athletes, particularly during the school holiday period and shortly after New Year’s, reflected the culture of the club.
“To have athletes continue training and come out to compete at that time shows how dedicated our families are,” she said.
Ms Ricci said Little Athletics helped young people build confidence by encouraging them to develop across multiple events.
“It caters for all kids,” she said. “They discover whether they are runners, jumpers or throwers, and they learn not to limit themselves.”
