Smith closes in on huge hurdling milestone

A BARWON Heads hurdler is generating momentum as he dashes towards a potential debut at the World Athletics Championships in 2026.

The 16-year-old is presently only 0.4ms away from a qualifying time for the World Athletics U20 Games in Oregon next year.

Smith is coming off a gold medal at the state championships in the Open Men’s 400m hurdles and wins in the Under 18 400m and 110m hurdles events.

He holds the national record for 300m hurdles.

Smith said the prospect of competing on the world stage was incredibly exciting.

‘I’m excited to compete against others that have same goals and expectations.

“These world juniors would be a big milestone and an eye-opener to my future in the sport.”

With plans of going to college in future years, Smith said training and competitions were likely to get more intense.

Smith will lean on local coach Gerry Consedine, who has been by his side for eight years.

“It will definitely be a step up to what I’m used to especially since their season is different,” he said.

“I will have to adapt my peaking times to it by tapering during our winter and so on.”

If he can peak at the right time, the 2032 Olympics is within his grasp.

“My biggest goal and biggest dream is to compete at the Olympics,” Smith said.

“2032 will be a perfect year for it, so fingers crossed I stay away from injuries and give it my best to get there.”