Felix’s feats earn Peter Norman award

CRUSOE College’s Felix Burgess has gone on a record-breaking spree in the opening weeks of the field and track season.

The sprinter and hurdler from the Kangaroo Flat-based college won three gold and a bronze at the School Sport Victoria championships at Lakeside Stadium in South Melbourne.

The 13-year-old earnt the Peter Norman award.

The perpetual trophy is donated by Norman’s long-time coach Neville Sillitoe who was trackside when Norman won silver in the 200m at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

A five-time national 200m champion, Norman’s honours included being in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Athletics Australia Hall of Fame, and a recipient of The Dawn Award.

One of Norman’s daughters, Sandra Kadri is now a clubmate of Burgess at Eaglehawk Athletics Club.

A memorable SSV meet for Burgess in the 12-13 years class included gold in the 90m hurdles in 12.66, and record-breaking runs of 11.49 and 23.21 to win the 100m and 200m finals.

A leap of 5.54 metres at long jump earnt bronze.

Week one of the All Schools included gold in the under-14 100m, 11.45 seconds, and 90m hurdles, 12.83.

Burgess returns to Lakeside in the Albert Park precinct this weekend to contest the 200m, and 200m hurdles.

The talented teen has only just upped training from one night a week to now be two at Lar Birpa in Flora Hill.

Long-time athletics coach Peter Barrett has played a key role in his development.

Burgess is now being coached by Olympic and dual world hurdles champion Sally Pearson by correspondence.

Hurdles and sprints are what Burgess does best, but he also likes the jumps challenges.

Whether it’s Little Athletics or Athletics Victoria Shield League, Burgess will keep working on technique and race tactics.

A goal the hard-working teen is keen to achieve is racing at the Australian All Schools at Lakeside in early December.

Those cheering him on from the stands will include parents Michael and Kelly.

Another goal leading into next year is to compete in the junior 100m and 200m at the Stawell Gift being run at Central Park on the Easter weekend.