There is a spring in the step of the youngsters at Altona Little Athletics Centre.
The new track-and-field season begins on October 3, less than a month away.
The centre held it first open day of the season on Saturday, with special appearances from two of Australia’s best athletics talents, Morgan Mitchell and Luke Mathews.
Both athletes got their start at Altona, which showed them that if they dream big, they can achieve.
“We’ve produced many state and national champions in the past, so we’re looking forward to finding the future stars,” ALAC president Dan Shield said.
Mitchell had returned from the IAAF world championships in China only days earlier. She was part of Australia’s 4×400-metre relay team, which finished sixth in their heat.
Mitchell told young athletes at Altona she is focused on qualifying to represent Australia at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“I remember so clearly starting at Little Athletics and it’s only now, when I look back, I realise what an important part it played in where I am today,” Mitchell said.
Mathews is one Australia’s pre-eminent 800-metre runners, with a personal best time of one minute 47 seconds.
He also has the Australian Olympic team on his radar, but having just turned 20 knows it’s going to be tough to crack into the team.
“After finishing last season I’ve been training and racing in Europe, so I feel in pretty good shape,” Mathews said.
Much to the surprise of many, Little Athletics is unique to Australia, starting in Geelong in 1964. It has brought on many elite sports people, including Joel Selwood (AFL) and Jarryd Hayne (ex-NRL and current NFL).
“Little Athletics teaches kids so many important skills, which are the basis for all sports,” Shield said.
To give athletes every opportunity, the Altona centre offers multi-disciplinary coaching during the week. For more information on the Altona Little Athletics Centre, go online to www.altonalac.com.au.
