Young athletics star headed for NZ

YOUNG Bacchus Marsh athlete Tilly Grant has been selected for the Little Athletics Victoria Development Tour, which takes place early next year.

The 13-year-old will be among 36 athletes from around the state who will spend seven days in New Zealand and will compete in the North Island Colgate Games from 10 to 12 January.

Tilly, a year 8 student at Bacchus Marsh College, has been involved in Little Athletics for seven years and has competed at regional and state level in track and field, relay and cross country throughout that time.

A member of the Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre, she won the Intermediate Champion Girl award in 2020, 2021 and 2023. She has received the centre’s age group champion award on three occasions and has been runner-up twice.

In the Centre Combined Event, where athletes compete across five different disciplines, Tilly has been the under nine and under 10 champion girl and runner-up in the under 11 and under 13 age groups.

At club level, she has been awarded the age group champion trophy for the past six seasons.

The young star said she is looking forward to the trip, particularly as it will be the first time she will be representing Victoria in competition.

“I’m more excited than nervous,” she said.

Tilly nominated throwing events such as shot put or discus as her favourites, along with track contests like the 100-metre sprint.

Tilly’s mother, Alli Grant, said attention was now turning to raising money to help pay for the $3500 costs associated with the trip.

The family is already organising a raffle, and Ms Grant said an application for funding had been lodged with the Victorian arm of children’s charity Variety, as Tilly has autism.

Ms Grant said she also planned to approach Community Bank Bacchus Marsh about contributing to the cause.

“This selection is a wonderful opportunity for Tilly, not only for her development in athletics but also for the personal growth the tour will provide,” she said.

Ms Grant said Tilly had consistently demonstrated her commitment to both athletics and the community and was proving to be a role model for younger athletes, often volunteering to help junior members at competitions.

“I am very proud of her,” she said.

Anyone who wants to contribute to the fundraising efforts can contact the Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre.