Talented Port Stephens sprint quartet qualify for regional championships

MEET the Port Stephens Athletics Centre pocket rockets that secured a Junior Girls Relay silver medal at the Port-Hunter Zone Athletics Championships at Mallabula Sports Complex.

Eleven-year-old Leylah Standing, 10-year-olds Joy Schneider and Malia Foster, and nine-year-old whippet Elayna Chesters are four of the club’s brightest track and field prospects that have collected a bagful of medals in the Junior age categories.

They produced an encouraging performance in the Junior Girls 9-12s 4 x 100m Relay to snare silver with a blistering time of 1:08.52 seconds.

Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre’s outstanding quartet of Scarlet Lodge, Matilda Shawyer, Evie Gentle and Winter Robson clinched the gold medal in a sizzling time of 1:07.16 seconds to claim bragging rights.

Port Stephens Athletics Centre president Michelle Chan told News Of The Area that the young sprinters were part of the club’s exciting new breed.

“They show plenty of potential and work hard on all their disciplines and share a competitive edge that has kept them in good stead.

“The girls really inspire and encourage each other at training and carnivals and have lots of fun along the way,” Michelle added.

For their sterling efforts on the track and field, the Port Stephens foursome have qualified to compete at this year’s Region Two Athletics Championships to be held in Maitland from 13 to 15 February.

Promising sprinter Elayna also picked up silver medals in the 9s Girls 70m and 100m finals with sharp running Joy earning silver in the 10s Girls 70m and 100m sprints plus bronze in the 200m and long jump.

Talented all rounder Malia brought home silver in the 10s Girls shot put and long jump and bronze in the 100m and high jump.

Rookie Laylah demonstrated her sprinting prowess to grab silver medals in both the 11s Girls 200m and 400m.

By Chris KARAS