Frank Mazza is quickly adjusting to life in the fast lane.
The 11-year-old Brimbank Little Athletics talent already holds a number of club records.
So this year he decided to test his running and jumping against the next level.
First up, he competed at the Little Athletics Victoria state multi-event championships’ 100 and 800 metres, long jump, discus and 80 metre hurdles.
The overall winner is decided on adding up points recorded in each event.
“I was hoping to finish in the top 10. The 800 metres was the first event, but I had one of the slowest times and was sitting 40th.”
But Mazza still had his two pet events to come and a win in the long jump, by more than 30 centimetres, and third placing in the 100 metres lifted Mazza to an overall second.
“I couldn’t believe it; I was really happy with the result.”
He followed his performance at the multi-skills meet with another standout effort at the St Albans Gift in the under-14 120 metres.
Through to the final as the fastest qualifier, Mazza again had to come from behind to be in the mix.
“I was the back marker and the closest person was running from seven metres,” he said.
“I didn’t know how I’d go as I normally only run 100 metres. It took until the last 10 metres to get the win.”
Next up for Mazza is a regional fixture that doubles as a qualifying event for next month’s state championships.
He’ll compete in the 100 and 200 metres, 60-metre hurdles and long jump, his main aim being to qualify for the state championships in the 100 metres and long jump.
His times and jumps done at training are as good as athletes two to three years ahead of him, and he’s closing in on age group state records.
“In training my performances have been good enough for state. I jumped 4.95 metres in the multi event and at training I’ve jumped over five metres. I hope I can jump that at state.”
Brimbank Little Athletics president Dennis Thornton said the centre was proud of Mazza’s efforts.
“He loves being at Brimbank Little Aths. He’s put in a lot of hard work with his coaches, John Alchin and Paul Parker, which has had a lot do to with his success.”
In the long term, the Caroline Springs resident is looking to the pinnacle of athletics, the Olympics.
Last week he got a close-up look at some of his idols at the Nitro Athletics meet, including the biggest name in the sport.
“Usain Bolt is my favourite.
“I like [Australian long jumper] Fabrice Lapierre as well.”
