By Nicholas Creely
Representing Victoria in a national competition is a wonderful achievement – especially if just 10 years of age.
Young Oatlands Primary School student Harvey Anderson was one of only a few Victorian athletes to head to Sydney from 25-29 November.
The competition, which was headed by School Sport Australia, has been a major breeding ground for budding Olympic teams in Australia, and this year’s crop is set to follow the same path.
And at the championships, Harvey rose to the occasion in the 800 metres, against some of the nation’s most promising young runners and said having support from some important people in his life helped him perform at his best.
“I came sixth in my heat – and twelfth overall in Australia,” he said.
“My sports teacher Ms Gamble has been awesome for me, as well as my parents and grandparents.
“Ms Gamble actually flew up to Sydney to watch me run – it was very nerve-racking; I was under a lot of pressure, but that helped me having her there watching me.”
Harvey said that his parents, especially his dad, helped push him into athletics, and from there he gained the appetite to work hard.
“I’ve been into athletics since last year – Dad used to be a very good runner so he got me into it,” he said.
“I did five weeks of training before going and then I had states before that which was really hard – I train for an hour three times a week, but I love to do it.”
And now Harvey is aiming high, with another potential national competition on his mind.
“Next year is the Pacific Games against Kenya so I’m aiming for that – they are great long-distance runners, and it will be a tough challenge, but I just have to keep working hard,” he said.
