Chantelle Leslie-Hughes (Eureka Athletics)
The Eureka thrower has enjoyed a stellar first AVSL season in Ballarat improving rapidly across all four throwing events. Training under Shane Benbow, Leslie-Hughes has seen a quick development with Discus becoming a favourite of hers. At the Victorian Country championship, she threw 27.27 metres to claim gold along with a gold in the U16 Women’s Javelin event.
Molly Fraser (Ballarat Harriers)
The jumps specialist burst out of the blocks to break the BRAC OPEN record in week 1 of the AVSL season with a 11.84 metres jump in the Triple at only 16 years old. She then followed up by breaking the record again in week 3 with a leap of 12.19 metres! Training under Paul Cleary, Fraser has further developed her skills with her Long Jump skills starting to grow. Fraser will compete in the Triple Jump, Long Jump and the 200m where she also competes in AVSL.
Aria Violini (Ballarat YCW)
The middle distance youngster is as cool as ever on the track and has continued to strengthen her times during the AVSL season. With a seemingly effortless technique, Violini has competed within a strong U14 Women’s field and competed against other older athletes holding her own. A gold medal in the U14 Women’s 1500m and 3000m at countries, Violini will be around the same mark. With a best time of 10:51.81 minutes for the 3000m at 12 years old, Violini has an exciting future ahead of her.
Jace Murray (Wendouree Athletics)
The Wendouree thrower came across to Athletics Victoria this year and has shown his power across his two main events in Discus and Javelin. Throughout the AVSL season, Murray has continued to shine with his technical ability showing in his events. After holding his own in the AVSL season and a Victorian Country Championships under his belt Murray is reading to take the next step. With a best throw of 48.85 metres in the Discus, Murray will be aiming for a similar mark at States.
Ballarat will also be sending down some officials and support staff, a big thank you to everyone making the trip down and good luck to all competing.
