Excitement was buzzing in the air at the Gunnedah Little Athletics Centre on Saturday, November 11, when Australian representative athlete Jordi McMillan stopped by.
Children from the ‘tiny tots’ to teenage age groups were delighted to spend the day soaking up the sun and honing their skills.
McMillan was in Gunnedah for the Coles Community Round where ambassadors visit Little Athletics clubs around Australia.
Gunnedah was the second club McMillan had visited for the new program.
She represented Australia in the under 20 European Tour team this year and is now sharing her love for sport with the next generation.
“[Making the team] was always something I wanted to do since I started Little Athletics so finally actually making the Australian team was a dream come true,” McMillan said.
Gunnedah children were excited to meet Australian sprinter Jordi McMillan.
“I was really excited I got to compete in England and Germany in June and it was just such a great experience, so ‘little me’ would be very proud.”
Her love for sprinting started at Little Athletics, just as many children at the Gunnedah club had.
Originally from the Henley District in South Australia, she joined the local Little Athletics squad in the under 6 category and has not stopped loving it since.
“I struggled with team sports, it allowed me to be in a team but still compete individually so it was just great, I loved it,” McMillan said.
She was happy to be a part of the new ambassador program and help encourage children to enjoy sports and eat healthy.
“I got the email [to ask] if I was interested [in being an ambassador],” McMillan said.
“It was always something I have been super keen on doing so to have been recommended for the role, I was so honoured,” she said.
“I wish we had something like this when I was little. It is just great to be able to inspire the kids as much as possible.”
