THE Queanbeyan Little Athletics season has only just begun but already the records have started to tumble at Wright Park.
Last Saturday’s season opener saw under-17s athlete Jessica McPherson set a new benchmark in the javelin with a throw of 16.77m. Beaux Ackland was also in on the record-setting act after managing 24.21m in the discus.
New records are likely to be commonplace over the opening weeks of this year’s competition following a change in Little Athletics guidelines which have seen new, lower weights introduced in many of the field events.
Queanbeyan Little Athletics club secretary Marnie McPherson meanwhile, said this season had already seen a jump in numbers in the senior age groups, possibly due to the high level of interest surrounding this year’s London Olympics.
“We’ve had some kids come back that I last saw in the under-12s and now they’re in the under-17s so that was really enjoyable to see,” McPherson said.
“It’s good for the younger kids as well to see the older kids doing it. Last year we didn’t even have any under-17s girls and usually when they hit 13 or 14 they tend to lose interest so it’s great to see them back and enjoying it.”
In total, more than 200 junior athletes took to Wright Park last Saturday continuing a trend with competitor numbers having been largely stable over the past few years.
This weekend’s Little Athletics action will take place at Wright Park, off Old Sydney Road, from 8.30am, Saturday morning.
Those interested in signing up for the 2012/13 Little Athletics season can still do so through the ACT Little Athletics website at www.actlaa.org.au