SEA Lake student Harry Wight has been recognised as one of the state’s best discus throwers.
Wight competed in the Victorian All School Track and Field Championships last month, vying for qualification to the Australian All School Track and Field Championships.
The competition attracted the state’s cream of the crop, with athletes travelling from all over to take part in the competition at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park.
Competing at a state level was no small feat for the Year 6 student, who knew very little about the sport, prior to being introduced to it at school.
“It all started in Sea Lake when I won my discus event,” Wight said.
Progressing to the next round of competition, Wight placed second overall, qualifying for the regional championships in Bendigo.
“This was the first time I had competed using the big green nets in a professional setting,” Wight said.
Taking it all in his stride, Wight showed significant improvement at this event, throwing 28 metres in his second throw – a personal best which placed him second overall and earned him a spot at the state championships.
“I was amazed,” a humble Wight said.
“I didn’t think I’d do very well.”
Wight spent the next few weeks honing in on his skillset in preparation for the state competition.
Each night after school, he would make his way to the old bowling green which provided the open space he needed to practice.
Last month, Wight headed to Melbourne to take part in the state championships.
“I was a bit nervous but I felt great once I had finished,” he said.
A thunderstorm in the middle of the competition did little to deter him, and once competition resumed he broke his previous PB, throwing an impressive 29 metres, placing 10th overall.
With his first state competition in track and field under his belt, Wight has now had a taste of competing at an elite level and has enjoyed every moment.
“It was an amazing experience that I will remember forever,” he said.
“I was competing against the best in the state and many had a lot more training opportunities.”
