Gunnedah athletes progress from zone to regional level

Nearly 60 Gunnedah athletes were in fine fettle at the Little Athletics Zone Championships in Tamworth last Friday night and Saturday.

Gunnedah tallied 32 first placings, 43 second placings, 38 third placings and 29 fourth placings while other competing clubs came from Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Narrabri and Moree.

Conditions were damp at first but the weather turned out to be fine, following a forecast of storms.

All athletic events were held: shotput, long jump, high jump, discus, javelin, and running events.

With athletes from U8s to U17s eligible for selection at the Little Athletics Regional Championships at the Gold Coast on January 31 and February 1, 46 of Gunnedah’s athletes qualified for these championships.

While the U7s were ineligible for the regional championships, four of Gunnedah’s U7s tallied 12 medals at the zone championships.

Gunnedah Athletics Centre spokesperson Kate Ceeney said the competition was tough, with the zone being one of the most competitive in the New England region.

“With the strength of the competition, it was an outstanding achievement to have 46 athletes from our club make it through to the next level,” she said.

“Everyone gave it their all, and there were plenty of personal bests as well as medals.

“It was also great to see the youngsters strengthen their friendships as well as make new friends with athletes from other clubs.

“Learning, developing, gaining experience and forming new connections are all a part of it, rather than focusing too much on achievements.”