Liam McNally
A Melton Primary School student has become Australia’s top athlete in his age group for two athletics events.
Gospel Ropeti (12) competed in shotput and discus at the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships in Brisbane, and took home the gold from both events.
Gospel said the win felt “amazing”.
“I didn’t expect to win, but it came my way,” he said.
“I felt nervous, they were big kids.”
He said receiving his medals at the podium in front of such a big crowd made him nervous, but “felt good”.
The primary school community got behind Gospel’s journey up the coast by raising over $1500 selling ice-creams to help cover the costs of things like flights and hotels.
Melton Primary PE coordinator Augustine Carty-Cowling said watching Gospel compete at the school carnival, then district, divisional, regional, state and finally national events has been “unbelievable”.
“We’re very proud of him,” he said.
“He’s a bit of a celebrity at the moment at our school. He’s got kids asking for his autograph and kids asking him for tips and advice and photos.
“It’s been really good for the whole school community to see someone achieve so much.”
Gospel said that it “feels good” coming back to the school and having peers ask him questions.
“I tell them, have fun and try your best,” he said.
Gospel has been practicing shotput and discus since 2018, and gets help with training from his dad.
Gospel has received a full scholarship to Maribyrnong sports college next year, and one day hopes to compete in the Olympics.
