Celeste Mucci’s decision to compete in the heptathlon for the first time at national level has paid off, with the 14-year-old walking away as the under-16 Australian champion earlier this month at Albert Park.
Having previously competed at the national championships in individual events (she won four gold medals last year), the Williamstown Athletic Club member decided to enter the heptathlon, which involves contestants competing in seven different events.
“I’ve competed in the heptathlon the past three years in a row at state level so I decided to do it at nationals this year,” Mucci said.
“My aim was to get as many points as possible before the 800 metres, which is my worst event.”
She won the overall event on 4866 points, more than 400 points ahead of second place, as well as winning in four of the seven disciplines. “I was aiming for it [the win] and to get personal bests in each event. I recorded a personal best in the 800 metres … and I nearly got one in the high jump.”
The Maribyrnong College student is hoping to finish the athletics season on a winning note this weekend at the Australian Little Athletic championships.
