Victoria has long been a breeding ground for track and field greatness, and that rich history is on track to continue with a stellar line-up coming together for the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.
Meet five Victorians to look out for, as they prepare to take on the nation’s best school-aged athletes.
Caleb Kilpatrick
U17 400m
At only 16, Caleb is quickly rising through the 400m ranks not only in the State, but across the Country. Competing up several age groups at the 2023 Australian Track and Field Championships in Brisbane, Caleb placed 5th in the U20 final. The reigning U16 400m All Schools Champion from Adelaide last year is back to defend his title in the U17 400m. Fresh off a new PB and an unofficial World U20 qualifier of 47.49, Caleb is making waves amongst the quarter-mile community. Dropping his secondary event (200m) this year to focus on the 400m could see a blistering time in the west.
Jemima Hood
U14 80m Hurdles, 200m & U15 200m Hurdles
Fresh on the National All Schools scene, young Jemima is already a reputable hurdler. The tall, lean style of Hood sees the hurdles more terrified of her than she is of them. Representing VIC in the 80m Hurdles, 200m and stepping up an age group to contest the U15 200m Hurdles. Jemima walked away with a swag of medals at the recent Victorian All Schools Championships across five events. Tremendous strength and fitness, she will be a great boost to U14 relay squads.
Karla Boras
U16 Female Triple Jump
It is no question that pure triple jump genes run strong in the Boras bloodline. The younger sister of World Athletics U20 bronze medalist Tiana Boras, Karla is already writing her own story in an impressive style. The talented triple jumper is currently top-ranked for her age group and continually improving under the watchful eye of coach and former Commonwealth Games Triple Jump bronze medalist Alwyn Jones. With a 12.28 already on the scoreboard, not only will Karla be eyeing off the gold, but potentially a WJQ of 12.90.
Lucas Chis
U16 Male 800m & 1500m
An unknown name in the Victorian athletics community, until a shock win in the u16 Male 1500m at the Victorian All Schools Championships put him on the radar. He then backed up the following week to secure the distance double, winning the 800m in a sizzling time of 1:54.21.
Lucas Chis was the name on everyone’s lips after his 3:54.48 run over 1500m which shot him to top rank for his age. Now with a target on his back, it will be exciting to see what this young man can replicate full of confidence, on the big stage.
Marcus Wakim
U18 Male 5000m Race Walk
Marcus could almost be described as a veteran racewalker with the resume he has already put together. Australian representation at World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships and Oceania U18 Championships, he continues to lower his personal bests across 5000m & 10,000m Race Walk events. Already holding the Australian U18 10,000m Race Walk title, he will be looking to add another record to his belt in the 5000m Race Walk in Perth.