National gold for Iese
Reigning Wimmera Sports Star of the Year Jesse Iese of Edenhope has collected a national gold medal while competing in 2017 Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney.
The Edenhope College student won the under-17 shot put from a field of 10 finalists from across Australia, a final throw of 18.35 metres clinching victory from fellow Victorian Declan Carman, 17.87.
He also collected a bronze medal in his other pet event, the discus, with a throw of 49.81 metres to finish behind Carman, 55.98 and Queenslander Tristan Churchwood, 51.49.
The discus event featured 18 nalists.
Iese’s podium finishes followed his medal-winning performances in Victorian, Junior National and All School state and national titles.
Iese has emerged as one of the most promising athletes in the region despite almost falling into the sport by accident and undergoing coaching in Edenhope by correspondence.
The inaugural combined junior and open-aged championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre started on Sunday and finish this weekend. fi-