Four members of the Gunnedah-based ZooM Athletics Group produced some impressive performances against tough competition at the NSW Country Championships at the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre from last Friday to Sunday.
Ethan Chavula, Ruby Cygan, Stella Geddes and Annabelle Goldrick represented the Gunnedah Athletics Centre at the annual competition run by Athletics NSW at the regional athletics track.
More than 1000 athletes from regional centres took part as there were 568 track and field events. There were male and female competitions while ages from U9 to U17 were followed by U20, Opens, and then Masters from 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and upwards.
Conditions were difficult as there was heavy rain and blustery conditions all weekend.
Stella obtained the best result of the Gunnedah athletes as she achieved a bronze medal in the U10 200m race on day three, with a time of 34.10 seconds.
On the first two days, Stella placed seventh in the 100m with a time of 16.56 seconds, and 11th in long jump with a length of 2.96m.
Ethan recorded a time of 12.58 seconds in the 100m preliminary final, and placed eighth in the 100m final with a time of 12.22 seconds.
On the final day, Ethan ran a time of 25.22 seconds in the qualifying 200m heat before placing seventh in the final with a time of 25.02 seconds.
Annabelle placed seventh in shot put with a throw of 2.42m, and came 15th in long jump with a length of 2.23m.
On the final day, Annabelle placed 11th in U9 800m with a time of 3.47.46, and 18th in U9 200m with 44.28 seconds.
Ruby came fifth in high jump with a height of 1.35m, and eighth in 80m hurdles while her time of 17.03 seconds was a personal best.
Ruby was ninth in triple jump with a distance of 8.46m, and 13th in long jump with a distance of 4.06m.
Ruby ran in the preliminary U13 100m, recording a time of 16.03 seconds.
Stella Geddes earned bronze in an U10 200m sprint.
Ruby Cygan.

Annabelle Goldrick.