In March this year, local resident Lacey Tilyard travelled to Sydney to compete in the Australian Track and Field Championships.

Two years ago, at the age of 11, Lacey joined the Little Athletics program. “She’s always been interested in sport, whether it be football, basketball, or distance running,” said Renee, Lacey’s mum. “She asked my husband and me if she could join the program for quite a few years, but initially I said no, as we knew it would involve a lot of time and effort. But she just did so well. She’s a natural.”

As the largest annual athletics event in Australia, over 3500 athletes of all ages competed over eight days. “I think it was a bit overwhelming for her to see how amazingly talented Australian athletes are,” said Renee.

Nevertheless, Lacey placed fifth in U15 High Jump, third in the U15 400m, and recorded a new personal best in the U15 200m. Only two days after returning from Nationals, Lacey competed at her school carnival. Despite being still tired from Nationals, she wound up the Year 8 champion, placing first in 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump, and high jump. She even broke school records in both high jump (1.5m) and 400m (1:01.92)!

Lacey has represented her school at every interschool athletics carnival, cross country carnival and swimming carnival since she became eligible to compete. Lacey trains with her performance coach Joshua Mason two to three times a week. Earlier this year, Lacey competed in the State Little Athletics Championships in Penguin and broke a 10-year record in 400m with a time of 59.84. She also won triple jump, placed 2nd in high jump, and 4th in 200m.

Lacey also won two gold medals at the Tasmanian Athletics Age Championships, and is currently ranked number one in Tasmania for U15 400m and number two in high jump. She is ranked number six in Australia for U15 400m. In December this year, Lacey hopes to compete at the All Schools Track and Field Championships