Young athletics talent earns green and gold honour

LOCAL athletics talent Leah Berry is preparing for the biggest opportunity of her young career after earning selection in the Australian team for this month’s Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin.

The 16-year-old will make her international debut in the under-18 competition, lining up in the 100m sprint, 4x100m relay and long jump.

For Berry, the selection marks the fulfilment of a dream she has been chasing since taking up athletics five years ago.

“When I found out I had been selected to represent Australia, I was overwhelmed with emotion,” she said. “Representing my country had always been a dream of mine, but I never imagined I would achieve it at such a young age.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to compete and to have fun while doing it. Being able to compete at such a well-known international competition is an amazing experience, and being selected to participate in all of my main events is a big honour.”

As the championships approach, Berry said her training schedule had intensified as she balances elite sport with the demands of VCE studies.

“I dedicate four to five days a week to training on the track or in the gym, alongside managing my VCE schoolwork,” she said.

“I also understand that rest and recovery are just as important as the hard work itself, so I always make sure to listen to my body and stay relaxed and focused.”

Berry credited coaches Bill Berry and Justin Pitcher for helping prepare her for the international stage, both physically and mentally.

“Without their time, effort and dedication to helping me improve, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said.

“They have not only helped develop my athletics skills but have also taught me how to handle pressure and maintain a calm and relaxed mindset on competition days.”

Berry has set herself a goal of achieving personal bests in her events at the championships, and has her eyes on continuing to compete at the top level as she develops as an athlete.

“Beyond the competition itself, I’m also excited to enjoy the experience, to do what I love and be part of a new and exciting atmosphere at an international level,” she said.

“Looking ahead from Darwin, I plan to make next season even stronger. I want to continue pushing myself further, and I’m excited to see what I can achieve.”

The Oceania Athletics Championships will run from 18–23 May at Arafura Stadium.