The future of UTS Northern Suburbs Athletics was on full display at QSAC in Mount Gravatt, Queensland, as our junior athletes delivered a series of powerhouse performances at the 2026 Australian National Junior Championships. Competing against the best young talent in the country, the "Red and Black" crew brought home several podium finishes and a string of personal bests.

Little Athletics Success: Deyron’s Double Duty

Kicking off the week of competition, Deyron Dela Cruz represented the club and the state at the Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC) from April 13th to 14th. Competing in the U13 Male Shot Put, Deyron threw a strong 12.06m. His contribution was vital in helping secure the championship trophy for Team NSW before he backed up his performance later in the week at the National Junior Championships.

Gold Medal Glory on the Field

The club secured two magnificent gold medals in the jumping events at the National Juniors, proving our dominance in technical field disciplines:

• James Mikan (U16): James claimed the national title in the Male Long Jump with a massive leap of 7.02m, improving his personal best by 0.30m.

• Amalia Bond (U16): Amalia took the top spot in the Female Triple Jump with a distance of 12.33m, showing incredible composure to edge out the competition.

Sprinting Towards the Podium

Matilda Harrison (U18) was a standout on the track, showcasing elite speed and consistency across the short sprints:

• Matilda secured Silver in both the Female 100m (11.61s) and the Female 200m (23.69s).

• Her 200m performance was particularly impressive, shaving 0.14s off her previous best under championship pressure.

Throwers Making Their Mark

Our throwing squad continued the club’s tradition of excellence in the circle:

• Elizabeth Whelan (U18): Claimed a hard-fought Bronze in the Female 3kg Hammer, launching a throw of 50.53m.

• Deyron Dela Cruz (U14): Showing great range across age groups, Deyron also competed in the Male 3kg Shot Put at the Junior level, finishing with a solid mark of 12.88m.

• Ruann Eksteen (U19): Delivered a strong performance in the Male 800g Javelin with a throw of 51.58m.

Distance and Hurdles Excellence

• Sarah Baker (U20) clocked a sharp 4:28.93 in the Female 1500m.

• Oliver White (U19) represented the club well in the Male 1500m with a time of 3:57.45.

• Annika Boys (U19) demonstrated great range, competing in both the 400m Hurdles (1:01.22) and the 100m Hurdles (14.96s).

• Charlie Watkins (U16) showed massive potential in the Male 400m, clocking 51.36s and dropping nearly a full second off his best.

Congratulations to all our athletes who traveled north to represent the UTS Norths community. Your hard work throughout the season was evident in every stride, jump, and throw.