Distance runners impress

Three athletes from the Warragul area had outstanding success at the Victorian Country Track and Field Championships held in Bendigo.

Local athletes representing Wellington Athletic Club included 14-year-olds Rhylee Stewart and Darcy Knowles and 12-year-old Grace Graafsma who all competed at the championships for the first time.

Stewart and Knowles competed as bottom age athletes in the under 16 events.

Stewart achieved two personal best times, placing eighth in the 1500m in a time of 4:37.60 and seventh in his 800m race with 2:12.91.

Knowles placed an impressive fourth in her 1500m race in 5:32.32 and came home with a gold medal in her 800m race with a time of 2:33.24. Both times were very close to personal best performances.

Graafsma also competed as a bottom-age athlete in the under 14 events. She received a silver medal for her personal best time in the 1500m of 5:13.59 and a bronze medal in the 800m in the time of 2:28.75. Grace also brought home a gold medal in the 3000m in a time of 11:18.49 despite competing in very stormy and wet conditions.

Stewart, Knowles and Graafsma all train in Warragul with international athlete and coach Craig Huffer.

In total, 16 athletes from all corners of Gippsland represented Wellington Athletic Club at the Victorian Country championships. A total of 21 medals were brought back to Gippsland – eight gold, seven silver and four bronze, along with several personal best times.

Athletes representing Wellington Athletic Club reside from as far away as Orbost, Leongatha, San Remo, Latrobe Valley and Sale.