Race walker wins top Academy award

RACEWALKING continues to leave its footprints in Ballarat’s rich elite sporting history.

Seventeen-year-old Fraser Saunder was named the WestVic Academy of Sport’s Athlete of the Year at a recent ceremony hosted by the Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club.

Saunder is the current national under-20 racewalking champion over 10,000 metres and represents Ballarat YCW and Ballarat Walkers clubs.

Now is in his final year of high school at Ballarat Grammar, Saunder has been competing since the age of nine, and was an awards finalist alongside table tennis player Rory Carroll, swimmer Edward Meddings, rower Lucy Richardson, and BMX racer Jai Copland.

“I was shocked to win Athlete of the Year but very happy to have been selected, as the other finalists are all great athletes in their own right,” he said.

“The Academy caters to a wide variety of sports, and athletics is still relatively small in the world sphere compared to other team sports, so it’s good to have the recognition for track and field, and racewalking.

“I’m very grateful to my coach Daryl Biggin for his support. Rain, hail, or shine, he comes out, is always supportive, rides his bike around, and provides constant technique feedback for all the walking athletes.”

Saunder has not only represented Victoria, but Australia, racing at the hilly, hot, and humid World Athletics Racewalking Championship in Oman earlier this year.

His team placed fifth in the under-20 division, and he came in at 15 individually.

“That was more of a mental challenge than a physical one because all the boys were super fit. It was a case of who could outlast each other mentally,” he said.

A WestVic Academy of Sport athlete of three years, Saunder continues to gain additional support from the organisation to perform at his best.

He’s been able to access the sports facilities at Federation University, has been provided with tailored programs including strength and conditioning training, learnt about injury prevention, nutrition, and good sleep habits.

WVAS executive officer Shenae Keleher said the board reviewed all finalists’ performances over the last 12 months in making the decision about who would win Athlete of the Year.

“Given Fraser is number one in the country for his age, we couldn’t go past that, alongside his selection for the World Championships,” she said.

“He has been one of the most dedicated individual athletes that we have. Whatever sessions and education we offer, he’s always first on the list of RSVPs, and takes every opportunity.

“He’s always trying to better himself as much as he can.”

Ms Keleher said WVAS board members are grateful to their awards hosts the Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club, and sponsors for helping put on the night of celebrations.