Macca’s run

By Lachlan Ellis

A local athlete has been hitting her stride this past month, being named in both the Junior Development Squad (JDS) and in the Victorian squad for the Australian Little Athletics Combined Championships.

Mackenzie Estlick’s strong performance in the State Combined Events, placing fourth overall in the Under 15s, has seen her selected as an emergency for Victoria’s Combined Championships squad.

The 14-year-old said she was thrilled to be a part of the squad and take part in training in the lead-up to the event next year.

“I’m really excited about being named in both the Junior Development Squad and the Australian Combined Events Championships because I have worked so hard over the last 10 years to get this far and this is the first time that I have had this opportunity,” she told the Moorabool News.

“This year was the first time that I qualified for the JDS based on the times I ran at the State Track and Field carnival at the start of the year. The squad involves five training sessions with professional coaches in my nominated events, which were Triple Jump and Middle Distance running.

“This will be the highest I have made it so far in my athletics career. I’m really looking forward to taking part in the three training days prior to the event, as it will give me an opportunity to meet the Management Team and get to know my fellow athletes.”

Ms Estlick said being a member of Bacchus Marsh Little Aths was about more than just enjoying sports themselves.

“Athletics has been such an incredible experience for me and a major part of my life. I have loved making so many friends along my journey, not just at BMLAC but at all the clubs around Victoria. I would encourage all young athletes to enrol in their local club as it teaches you so many basic fundamentals,” she said.

Fellow Bacchus Marsh Little Athletes Nicholas Ide, Bridie Shanahan, and Nicholas Mai were also named in the JDS.

The Australian Little Athletics Combined Events Championships will be held at Lakeside Stadium at Albert Park from 21 to 23 April 2023.