Max has the need for speed

Young sprinter headed to national championships in Tasmania

Sometimes when you just take a chance it pays off and that is what has happened for Allendale East Area School student Max Pitson.

Maw is headed to the School Sport Australian Championship to be held in Launceston from November 23-27, as part of the South Australian team after a strong school sports day performance inspired Max to trial for the regional SAPSASA team which, in turn, led to his State Championship performance that earned him the State team berth.

Max earned a silver medal in the 100m sprint at the SA titles and this was all on the back of never really having considered athletics and without any formal coaching.

“I’ve never trained before but now have a coach called Sally (Taylor) in Mount Gambier,” Max said. “I’m training twice a week there at the moment and going to Adelaide to train with the State team when I can.”

Max has been selected to compete in the 100m but is also in line for a relay berth and the 200m event and he has a very clear goal when it comes to his athletics.

“Just to get faster and improve,” he said.

He has another good mentor with sister Shylah also a good sprinter.

And while Max is focussing on just where his sprinting can take him at this stage, he does have a long term dream of playing AFL for Geelong, while his down time is spent out on the water, fishing.