By JARROD POTTER
PUTTING his competitors in their place is state track-and-field is rising star Quadriell-Shafiek Faiva.
The 13-year-old field champion from Springvale Little Athletics Club participated earlier this month in the Australian Little Athletics Championships at Lakeside Stadium.
Representing Little Athletics Victoria (LAV) at the championships – after winning two silver medals in shot put and discus and earning personal bests at the State Championships – Faiva was pleased to represent Victoria and meet some other talented athletes from across Australia.
Faiva earned a top-10 finish in shot put, finished 12th in the country for discus and 13th for javelin.
“It was fun especially facing off against the other states,” Faiva said.
“It was also fun to meet the kids from the other states.
“I didn’t place – I didn’t really perform as well as I wanted to – but it was just a good experience to go there.”
His passion for athletics was cultivated by his older sister Shaquille – a back-to-back shot put state champion – and she helped get Faiva started on his own athletic journey.
Faiva wanted to thank everyone who has helped him improve his field athletics and for the achievements he has made.
“I want to thank my coaches and also the JDS (LAV Junior Development Squad) coaches,” Faiva said.
“Team mates for their support and also my friends and family for supporting me throughout the competition.”
Faiva keeps his strength up in winter playing rugby for Southern Districts Rugby Union Club in Seaford as a number eight – one of the tougher positions to play.
