The bar was set high at B.C. Junior Development Track and Field Championships, and Nanaimo athletes rose to the challenge.
Nanaimo Track and Field Club athletes earned 18 medals at junior provincials, held July 27-29 in Kelowna.
“The championship meet, held in scorching weather conditions, concluded a long and rewarding season for the young runners, jumpers, and throwers,” noted a club press release.
Emma Kirk is a double provincial champ after winning both the high jump and pole vault in her 13-year-old division. She also took a third in long jump.
Another jumper, 12-year-old Haley Martin, collected three medals with silver in high jump and long jump and a bronze medal in 80-metre hurdles.
The third gold medal for the local athletes went to another 12-year-old, Annika Lundman, who finished first in the 1,500m race walk. She also earned a bronze in hammer throw.
Kory Brooks won silver in hammer and Autumn Vannini earned bronze in discus. Katelyn Putz took silver in discus and hammer throw, finishing just ahead of her club mate Katelyn Mint in the discus.
Among the younger athletes, Anishka Moonsamy and Tyson Paugh both claimed silver in shot put, while Brody Park finished second in the discus.
Zachary Croome earned bronze in the 2,000m and Krescyn Moonsamy got bronze in the 100m dash.
“Children …train three times a week mostly throughout the spring and are taught to try all events and focus on improving their personal bests,” the press release noted. “Championship medals are an important recognition of their hard work and willingness to participate.