The Hunter River Times

BY ALEX TIGANI

Two teenage talents have returned from Brisbane with podium finishes.

Singleton Track and Field Club stars Ethan Williams and Seren Hall both secured silver medals when competing at the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian Junior Track and Field Championships.

Williams conquered the first heat of the under-17 110m hurdles competition with a time of 15.08 seconds.

Only Victorian Hudson McKay, leader of the second heat with a time of 14.30, produced a quicker time prior to Sunday’s final.

In the final, McKay claimed the gold medal (14.17) ahead of Williams who improved on his heat with a time of 14.74 to secure the silver medal.

Queensland’s Josh Osborne claimed the bronze by a whisker behind Williams (14.89) while Manly Warringah’s Jannik McErlane was the next best NSW representative finishing sixth.

“I would like to firstly thank my coach Peter Gentz and Singleton iGym for training plus my parents,” Williams told The Hunter River Times.

“This is followed by all the support from family, friends and the Singleton Track and Field community.”

Williams had previously travelled to Adelaide in December to compete at the Australian All Schools Championships.

There he finished fifth in the final though it is important to note that the hurdles stood at 84cm, not 91cm, and the length was 100m, not 110m.

“It was exciting to get a medal in a national level competition,” Williams added.

“Hopefully this is another step into a future athletics career as a hurdler.”

Cheering in the stands was fellow Singleton athlete Seren Hall who had secured a silver medal in the under-17 PA long jump final.

“This season my goal was to focus and excel in long jump,” Hall added.

“To gain a national medal means I have achieved what I set out to do.

“It has taken a lot of dedication, hard work and commitment to achieve this.”

The multi class athlete recorded a 3.63m jump, falling short to Wallan’s Kirra Wright (Victoria) by 29cm.

Revesby Workers Little Athletics Centre’s Rhiannon Bellette was the next best from NSW, finishing eighth.

“I am hoping to keep improving my long jump and want to focus on my 200m,” she concluded.

Hall will continue to train in Maitland while also representing the Singleton Bulls’ under-14 side (rugby union).