Dream comes true: Estlick to don green and gold at worlds

BACCHUS Marsh sprint ace Mackenzie Estlick has capped a rollercoaster 12 months full of highs and lows by gaining selection in the Australian team for the World Under 20 Athletics Championships.

The 17-year-old will head to the championships, to be staged in Eugene, Oregon, in August, as a member of the 4x100m relay team.

Her selection is the realisation of a three-year long dream, from the time Estlick decided to take her athletics career seriously and began training professionally under the guidance of astute coach Gerrard Keating.

While that dream has driven her every day since, it’s one she feared might not have come true following a serious ankle injury that required surgery and sidelined her for most of 2025.

Estlick, who goes to school in Ballarat and is a member of the Wendouree Athletic Club, admitted the past 12 months had tested her resolve more than she had ever imagined.

“There were moments of frustration, doubt and heartbreak, watching from the sidelines while others competed,” she said.

“But through the support of my family, coach, teammates, and an unwavering belief in my goals, I stayed committed to the comeback.

“When I returned to training in January after having a year off, I honestly doubted whether I’d ever get back to where I was.

“But then when I ran an 11.59 at Geelong in March I knew I was back. I was running quicker than I ever had.”

Her career personal best at Geelong was quickly followed by an under-20 state 100m gold medal win and an invite to compete at the Maurie Plant Meet.

At the Australian under-age championships in Brisbane, in April, she placed fourth in the under-20 100m final, before earning gold as part of Victoria’s record-setting 4x100m relay team.

Those performances helped book her ticket to the US.

If qualifying for the junior worlds wasn’t tough enough, keeping her selection news a secret, which she was required to do for nearly a week, proved just as demanding for Estlick.

“I actually received the email while I was at training with my coach. I screamed so loud,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it.

 

“However, teams weren’t officially announced by Athletics Australia until (last) week.

“It was so hard keeping it a secret. I just wanted to tell everyone.

“It was such a nervous wait, however my mum and coach believed I would make it in for the relay. They have so much faith it me.

“I am really excited to be representing my country and wearing the green and gold.”

Scheduled to depart for the US at the end of July, Estlick’s preparation for the next month will consist of three to four running sessions a week and one in the gym.

The team will head to Queensland in June for a training camp.

Crucially, Estlick is experiencing no major lingering problems with her foot, despite pulling up a little sore after nationals.

“It’s only been seven months since my operations, so there are still some little niggles especially if I run bends, but other than that I feel fantastic,” she said.

The world juniors will mark her international competition debut, with Estlick having only ever travelled overseas once before to Bali.

There will be a familiar face alongside her in the relay team, with Ballarat’s Grace Crowe, the current Victorian 60m title holder and a dual medallist at the junior nationals, also bound for the US.

The remainder of the relay team squad is comprised of athletes from Queensland and Western Australia.

As she prepares to represent her country, a GoFundMe page titled One Dream•One Team – Macca’s Road to the USA has been established to help Estlick with the significant costs including travel, accommodation, uniforms, training, recovery and competition expenses.

The teenager said a seemingly ‘endless’ list of thank yous started with her family and friends.

“They have supported and encouraged me every step of the way since I first started Little Athletics 10 years ago,” she said.

“They sacrifice so much to help me compete and chase my dreams, and for that I am forever grateful.

“A huge thank you also to my coach, Gerrard Keating, and the GK Racers team.

“I truly would not have come this far without their guidance, belief, and support. They really are like a second family to me.”

Estlick acknowledged the support of long-term sponsors – Nathan Griffith at The Accountant Group Geelong, Michael, Brendan and the team at Western Region Osteo, the Community Bank Bacchus Marsh, and Mark at Regional Tyre Service Bacchus Marsh – and four new local sponsors – Ray White Bacchus Marsh, H and K Automotive, BP Maddingley and City West Construction.

Quick to throw its support behind Estlick, the Bacchus Marsh Little Athletic Centre celebrated her success via its social media accounts.

It was at the BMLAC where her athletics journey started 10 years ago.

“This is an amazing achievement and a true reflection of Macca’s dedication and commitment to her athletics journey,” the BMLAC said.

“As you can imagine, competing internationally comes with significant expenses.

“If any BMLAC families or supporters would like to help Macca chase her dream and represent her country, please consider supporting her GoFundMe page and donating if you can.

“Let’s get behind Macca and show the amazing support of the BMLAC community.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/one-dreamone-team-maccas-road-to-the-usaMore sport on page 21.