The Oceanside Track and Field Club had eight athletes competing at the recent BC Junior Development Provincial Championships in North Delta.
“We were truly impressed with our athletes’ efforts and outstanding performances as they competed against all of B.C. in their age groups,” said Jane Waite, president of OTFC. “There is an incredible wealth of talent.”
In a memorable twist at this year’s championships, Jonah Kolen-Lee, 13, encountered a unique challenge. On Sunday afternoon, he was slated to compete in the JD 13 javelin and triple jump. But both events took place at the same time.
In a testament to his adaptability, Kolen-Lee, threw first in the initial round of the javelin then swiftly transitioned to the triple jump and recorded a 9.47-metre distance.
Between the two events, Kolen-Lee managed to throw a staggering 39.14 metres in javelin, to set a new personal best that ranked fourth in B.C.’s all-time top 10. His prowess earned him a gold medal in javelin and a silver in the triple jump. In other events, Kolen-Lee finished sixth in the 2,000 metres and eighth in high jump.
READ MORE: Additional funds put Ballenas track on course to construction stage
In the JD12 javelin, Gabriel Willers clinched a gold medal with a throw of 32.59 metres, and he didn’t stop there as he collected more gold medals in discus with a toss of 21.92 metres and hammer with 24.87 metres. He also finished fourth in shot put and sixth in high jump.
Caleb Willers, Gabriel’s younger brother, showcased his mettle with a silver performance in JD9 shot put with a put of 5.92 metres; and a bronze in long jump with a leap of 3.15 metres. He also placed fifth in the 1,000 metres and seventh in the 600.
Abigail Atkinson (JD10), Oceanside’s resident speedster, sprinted to silver in the 60 metres with a blazing time of 9.61 and bagged a bronze in the 100 with a time of 15.04. Not resting on her laurels, she achieved fifth in the long jump.
Olivia Bewsey (JD10) made her mark in javelin, securing a silver with a throw of 15.38 metres and displaying versatility by finishing fourth in discus, high jump and the 1,000.
Andrew Baetz (JD10) finished fourth in discus, sixth in shot put and 1,000, seventh in javelin and high jump and eighth in long jump.
Thomas Luksay (JD10) was fifth in high jump, seventh in discus and eighth in javelin and 600. Ethan Bewsey (JD12) finished fourth in high jump and seventh in javelin.
OTFC coaches indicated the championships provided a unique platform for the rising stars from the club as their performances were a blend of grit, determination and skill, exemplifying the promise of tomorrow’s athletes.
— NEWS Staff
Your community. Your news. Sign up for our free Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.