Hard work does pay off. After months in training, two young Melton athletes won at the Victorian Schools State Championships.
Siona, 12, and Alyssa, 9, competed last month against some of the state’s most talented young athletes.
Siona threw 11.73 metres in his shotput event, and 34.88 metres in the discus, winning silver for both and earning a spot in the Victorian team which will compete at this month’s national athletics carnival in New South Wales.
Meanwhile, Alyssa won gold in the shotput after throwing 9.56 metres, and silver in discus with a throw of 29.10 metres. But due to her age, she is not eligible to compete in the nationals.
Siona described the competition as “really fun” and said he really enjoyed seeing himself improve.
“I’m excited about going [to New South Wales] to compete and be up against the best.”
Alyssa has been doing shotput for the past five years and, even though she’s entered many competitions and won many awards, she has never received a state championship medal.
Melton Primary School grade 6 teacher Lauren Marriott said the school was now organising a fundraising event to buy Siona the right uniform, accommodation and flights to New South Wales.
“Siona has … been an active and talented member of many school and regional sporting teams, and has undertaken leadership roles,” Ms Marriott said. “Siona’s attendance at the national carnival would be a just reward for his outstanding achievements.”
