A YOUNG Hastings athlete has claimed a state title after an impressive rise in hammer throwing over the past two years.
Lachlan Wilson, a Camden Haven resident and student at St Joseph’s Regional, picked up a hammer just two years ago and has quickly become a regular presence at Laurieton fields, training and competing each week.
Last week, he secured the NSW State Championship in the Under 14 division, competing against eight of the best young athletes in the state.
His victory followed a strong season that began with a third-place finish at the NSW All Schools Championships.
He then set his sights firmly on qualification for the nationals in Brisbane during the April school holidays.
Lachlan said, “I am hoping to throw a PB (personal best) and maybe even medal at nationals.”
With limited access to coaching and few local competitions, Lachlan has taken a self-driven approach to improvement, using online resources and travelling to gain competition experience.
In January, he competed in Dubbo before heading to the ACT State Championships, where he claimed silver with a personal best throw of 34.83 metres.
He carried that momentum into the NSW State Championships at Homebush, opening with a solid 35.61 metre throw using a single turn technique.
Holding first place for most of the event, Lachlan entered the final round needing an extra 40 centimetres to secure gold.
On his final attempt, he delivered a powerful three turn throw of 39.14 metres, sealing the State title in dramatic fashion.
Lachlan will now travel to Brisbane in mid April to represent NSW at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, where he is aiming to break the 40 metre mark.
By Sis HIGGINS
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