ATHLETES from the Ipswich Athletics Club have delivered a string of exceptional performances at recent national events, showcasing both talent and determination across multiple age groups and disciplines.
The Australian Athletics Championships saw the club finish with a total of nine gold, seven silver and six bronze medals – an improvement from last year’s tally.
Among the standout performers was Liliana Titley, who won the U13 1500m in 4:45.20, a personal best, while Diva Ejembi secured gold in the U15 high jump with a clearance of 1.62m.
Addison Farinazzo impressed in multiple events, finishing second in the U17 and U20 400m hurdles (1:01.13 and 1:01.27 PB respectively) and helping her U18 team win gold in the 4 x 400m relay (3:47.30).
In the throws, Allira Takau took bronze in the U20 open shot put (14.59m), while Toby Stolberg had a massive championship, winning gold in the hammer (53.17m, a new championships record), silver in discus (46.27m) and bronze in high jump (1.75m).
In the U14 boys’ division, Jonte Tukuafu was dominant, with a gold in shot put (15.64m PB) and bronze in discus (45.07m). Daniel Phillips (T/F20 U15) achieved a clean sweep with gold in the long jump (4.82m), 100m (12.52), 400m (59.47 PB and record) and 800m (2:17.94).
In the open division, Jude Thomas narrowly missed the podium with fourth-place finishes in both the 1500m (3:35.55) and 5000m (13:51.02).
The Little Athletics Australian Championships, held last week, featured more success for the club’s rising stars.
Mila Josipovic won bronze in the U13 shot put (11.19m), while Sophie Whitfield earned silver in both the 100m (12.88) and 200m (26.29) and gold in the 4 x 100m relay (49.93).
Sophie McGeehan took silver in the U14 high jump (1.58m).
Mia Kertesz (T/F40 U15) delivered a strong performance with gold in javelin (6.35m), silver in shot put (3.18m) and bronze in the 400m (2:38.61).
Hudson Severinsen was another standout, winning gold in U13 discus (52.14m PB), bronze in javelin (33.15m PB) and bronze in shot put (14.55m).
Harsith Rameshkumar shone in the U14 category, winning gold in the 90m hurdles (13.53 PB), bronze in long jump (5.52m PB) and contributing to a bronze in the 4 x 100m relay (48.77).
Overall, the club’s achievements in April were outstanding, with athletes of all ages and abilities demonstrating excellence on the national stage.
