Geraldton’s local athletes clear State championships hurdle as Reuben Chapman continues his golden run

Geraldton’s golden boy Reuben Chapman has added another gold medal to his season’s tally after blitzing the 400m hurdles at the Junior Track and Field State Championships in Perth last weekend. He was among six Mid West Academy of Sport athletes represented at the State championships, with a further four Geraldton-based athletes also competing at the meet. The under-18s decathlon State champion finished his event more than 50m ahead of the silver medallist, recording an impressive time of 55.80 seconds. Coach Gary Clark said Chapman, who qualified for nationals, has potential to go even faster. “This was another PB by Reuben, slicing a further second off his time,” he said. “With six weeks before Nationals in Brisbane, this could be further reduced, putting him in with a medal chance on the big stage.” The hurdler also claimed a second medal in the 110m event, finishing third to claim bronze in his non-preferred hurdle event. Under-15 competitor Amelia Heinrich claimed two bronze medals and an opportunity at nationals in a competitive 90m and 200m hurdles field, finishing third only to two former nationals medallists. Also off to nationals, middle distance runner Bede Halford medaled in the under-15s boys 800m, shaving 20 seconds off his time and finishing the event in 2 minutes and 11 seconds in a highly competitive field of 10. “This was a huge statement by Bede who ran very aggressively,” Clark said. “Middle distance events are going to be his forte and he will certainly be one to watch going forward.” Lucas Renwick claimed his first State medals in the under-18s boys discus, launching the disk 32.14 metres — just 0.08 shy of silver. He also secured triple jump bronze, recording a 11.69 metre leap. He came fourth in javelin. Local athlete Shiloh O’Riley also bagged bronze in the under-17 high jump, clearing 1.50 metres to finish equal third on count back. Two other MWAS athletes Bodhi Onn and Myla Hurst, despite not securing a medal, took away plenty of positives after shaving off 20 and seven seconds off their 800m times. The Australian Athletics Junior Championships take place from April 15-20 in Brisbane.