TWO talented Beaudesert athletes got a taste of international competition and achieved personal bests in New Zealand this month.
AJ Platell and Will Robinson were among 30 athletes from across Queensland selected to take part in the New Zealand Development Tour, including the South Island Colgate Games.
Little Athletics Queensland selected them based on their behaviour at local, regional and statewide competitions and their commitment, involvement and long-term participation.
AJ and Will, both 14, spent a week in training and team building activities in Queenstown before giving it their best at the Games in Dunedin, getting some PBs along the way.
AJ ran PBs in the 200m and 400m events and also did the 80m hurdles, high jump and long jump.
Will achieved a PB in the 200m event and also competed in the 100m, long jump, high jump and shotput.
Beaudesert and Districts Little Athletics Centre Manager Amanda O’Shannessy congratulated Will and AJ on doing the club proud.
“Their behaviour was exemplary, and they represented themselves, their families, our club and their country with pride,” she said.
She said Will, who is her son, got a lot out of the tour.
“Will recommends every athlete of eligible age (under 14-15) should nominate as it is an incredible experience. He has made friends and learned a lot in just 10 days,” she said.
AJ’s mum Eden Platell said it was a great opportunity.
“We had pretty limited communication with them throughout, as parents, so in terms of their independence and growth it was quite good for them,” she said.
“It was about learning to travel and act as a team, so they had to wear a uniform everywhere they went and that was part of the deal, learning what it would be like if you were to go on and be selected for the Commonwealth Games or Olympics – the experience you have of being isolated from your family and potentially your usual coach.”
