By JARROD POTTER
SEASON’S end came for three Dandenong Little Athletics Centre runners, but not without the trio earning state championships medals.
Lochlan Taylor, 14, from Berwick, Daniela Sprague, 14, from Hallam, and Krish Rajavel, 11, from Endeavour Hills, excelled at the recently held Little Athletics State Track and Field Championships, held at the famous blue-track at Albert Park’s Lakeside Stadium on 28-29 March.
Rajavel went a little better in her second time at the state championships – blitzing her way to second in the 400 metres with an electric 1.06.54 time, finishing only four-tenths of a second off first place Maddie Hume.
The fleet-footed dynamo enjoys running at Dandenong Little Athletics Centre for its wonderful and respectful community.
“It was my second time at states and I was really excited that I won a medal this year – I got my personal best as well in the 400 metres,” Rajavel said.
“I like coming here (Dandenong LAC) as it’s really nice here and everyone is really nice to each other and good sports.”
Sprague fought her way onto the podium with a 2.21.41 minutes superstar performance in the girls’ under-15 800 metres.
“I was pretty excited as I’ve never won a medal before,” Sprague said.
“It’s my best result so far.”
Taylor earned his first medal at the state level, winning bronze in the boys’ under-15 1500 metre run, finishing in 4.27.36 minutes.
“Never won a state medal before this year – last year I did alright, finished fourth in the 1500 metres – but this year I got the medal in it,” Taylor said.
“Two years ago I was no good so this is a little bit exciting.”
The Dandenong Little Athletic Centre starts its cross-country season, at Robert Booth Reserve, Dandenong, on Saturday 2 May, with a track walk at 8.30am before the race start at 9am.
More information on the club is available at www.dandenonglac.com.au.
