South school athletes converge on Sydney’s Olympic Park

Gunnedah South Public School has celebrated an outstanding performance at the NSW PSSA State Athletics Championships, with student Rivah McDonald claiming three gold medals and setting a new state record.

Nine Gunnedah South athletes travelled to Sydney Olympic Park on 21 and 22 October to represent their school, Gunnedah Zone and the North West against the state’s best young athletes.

Elsie Hathway.

With only the top 40 competitors from across NSW qualifying for each event, reaching the State Championships was an achievement in itself for the students.

However, Rivah proved to be the standout performer, producing a remarkable carnival across multiple events.

He claimed first place in the 100m, winning his heat, semi-final and final, before going on to win the 200m final in impressive fashion after qualifying sixth from the heats.

Pearce McDonald.

His victory in the 200m also came with a new state record.

Rivah added a third gold medal in the junior boys long jump, recording an impressive leap of 4.70m.

His outstanding performances also earned him selection in the NSW Boys relay team, which will compete at the National Athletics Championships in Victoria in early December.

Rivah McDonald.

Rivah is set to contest four events at the national championships, providing another exciting opportunity to represent his state.

There were plenty of other strong performances from the Gunnedah South contingent, with Pearce McDonald finishing 36th in the 100m, Elsie Hathway 39th, Vann Campbell 37th and Stella Geddes 37th.

Stella also competed in the 200m, finishing 30th, while Lilly Steele recorded 31st place in the 800m.

Stella Geddes.

Taylor Morris jumped an impressive 3.72m in the long jump final to finish 30th.

The junior boys relay team, comprising Beau Bilsborough, Bailey Irwin, Vann and Rivah, competed in the fastest heat of the day and finished 22nd overall.

Staff and students back home in Gunnedah were able to follow the action through a livestream at school, cheering on their fellow students as they competed on the state stage.

Taylor Morris, Lilly Steele and Stella Geddes.

Gunnedah South Public School congratulated all nine athletes on their achievements and thanked the parents and coaches who supported the students throughout the season, including travelling to training sessions and Sydney.

The school said it was extremely proud of every athlete and looked forward to getting behind Rivah as he takes his talents to the national stage in December.