By JARROD POTTER
ST GERARD’S Primary School has a rising star in its midst as Jessica Stefanovic threw her way into the Little Athletics record books.
The 11-year-old athletics star, from Dandenong North, is making a big impact across the field events after she won two gold medals at the recently held Little Athletics Victoria State Track and Field Championships.
While she also likes the hurdles, her specialities and greatest passions lie on the interior of the track as she’s a dominant discus and shot put force at the state level.
She was unstoppable at Casey Fields last month, leading from the front all day in the shot put event, with a best throw of 11.03m – the only athlete in her category to achieve the 11 metre-mark.
The discus was a bit tougher though, as she had to catch up from a fair way back. On her last attempt, Stefanovic made her final throw count with her 28.75m attempt more than enough to earn her a second gold.
With a fourth-place finish in the javelin and a fifth in the triple jump, it capped off a stellar outing at Casey Fields for the Dandenong-based athlete.
“I had great performances with what I did – I got the centre record for shot put, triple jump and javelin,” Stefanovic said.
“In shot put, I think I was leading the whole time and with the discus I won on the very last throw – had to catch up about a metre.”
From humble roots – only starting athletics to get better for the school days – all the way to dual-state championships, Stefanovic remained proud and pretty amazed about what she was able to achieve at the titles.
For now it’s back to dancing over the winter months, but she’s still keen to get stuck into training to try and defend her titles next year.
Stefanovic wanted to thank Moorabbin Little Athletics Centre, as well as her coach – who is also her father Greg – and her family for their support.
