Avery powers on to national aths champs

DISTANCE runner Avery McDermid is racking up the kilometres as he prepares to race at next month’s Athletics Australia national track and field championships for the under-13 to under-18 classes in Brisbane.

The Bendigo teenager’s outstanding form in January earned the first scholarship for 2023 in Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year award.

On a brilliant weekend of running at Geelong’s John Landy Field, McDermid struck gold in the under-16 800 and 1500 meters at the Steigen-sponsored Victoria Country championships.

McDermid’s feats in both races earned the Stuart Hunter Shield for most outstanding under-16 athlete.

He is the first from University Athletics Club to receive the award.

In February, McDermid won gold in the under-16 800 meters at Athletics Victoria’s state junior track and field championships.

The young gun ran the two-lap dash at South Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium in 1:59.50.

A memorable meet included silver in the 3000 meters in 8:54.55; and bronze in the 1500 meters in 4:08.51.

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.

McDermid is coached by Andy Buchanan, a multiple Sports Star of the Year finalist who ran the marathon at last year’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games and also raced at this year’s world cross-country championships in Bathurst.

Athlete and coach also team up through the Athlete Development Program at Bendigo South East Secondary College in Flora Hill.

The national junior field and track titles will be run from 13 to 16 April.