DISTANCE runner Avery McDermid is racking up the kilometres as he prepares to race at next month\u2019s Athletics Australia national track and field championships for the under-13 to under-18 classes in Brisbane.<\/p>\n
The Bendigo teenager\u2019s outstanding form in January earned the first scholarship for 2023 in Bendigo\u2019s Sports Star of the Year award.<\/p>\n
On a brilliant weekend of running at Geelong\u2019s John Landy Field, McDermid struck gold in the under-16 800 and 1500 meters at the Steigen-sponsored Victoria Country championships.<\/p>\n
McDermid\u2019s feats in both races earned the Stuart Hunter Shield for most outstanding under-16 athlete.<\/p>\n
He is the first from University Athletics Club to receive the award.<\/p>\n
In February, McDermid won gold in the under-16 800 meters at Athletics Victoria\u2019s state junior track and field championships.<\/p>\n
The young gun ran the two-lap dash at South Melbourne\u2019s Lakeside Stadium in 1:59.50.<\/p>\n
A memorable meet included silver in the 3000 meters in 8:54.55; and bronze in the 1500 meters in 4:08.51.<\/p>\n
Next big hit-out was on the streets of Bendigo where McDermid won the five-kilometre duel in the Bendigo Ford-backed Bendigo Fun Run in 17.08 minutes.<\/p>\n
McDermid is coached by Andy Buchanan, a multiple Sports Star of the Year finalist who ran the marathon at last year\u2019s Birmingham Commonwealth Games and also raced at this year\u2019s world cross-country championships in Bathurst.<\/p>\n
Athlete and coach also team up through the Athlete Development Program at Bendigo South East Secondary College in Flora Hill.<\/p>\n
The national junior field and track titles will be run from 13 to 16 April.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DISTANCE runner Avery McDermid is racking up the kilometres as he prepares to race at next month\u2019s Athletics Australia national track and field championships for the under-13 to under-18 classes in Brisbane. The Bendigo teenager\u2019s outstanding form in January earned the first scholarship for 2023 in Bendigo\u2019s Sports Star of the Year award. On a […]<\/p>\n