The 2024 National Athletic Championships presented an opportunity for two Coonabarabran athletes to compete with Australia’s best.

Held in Adelaide last month, the championships saw two 17-year-olds – Siarne Davis and Kurt Rutter – compete in their chosen disciplines.

Both athletes were up against tough competition including Olympic athletes, nevertheless, they remained strong in their performance and placed respectably.

Siarne dedicated weeks to training, both independently and with her coaches, to prepare for Under 20’s Woman’s Discus event.

She competed against 19 young women and placed 15th overall, however, within her age group she placed sixth.

2024 marked Siarne’s third consecutive year qualifying for nationals, however, this year held significance as it was her first year competing in the senior league.

Although Siarne felt the pressure throughout the competition, her mother, Karyn Sulter, said she was proud of her daughter and her accomplishments.

“Discus is her calm place. She used to tell me that when she stepped into that circle she felt like she could do anything,” Ms Sulter said.

“She has been throwing since she was seven, but during the last three years she has grown more in confidence.

“We never dreamed she would go as far as she has and she is keen to take this as far as she possibly can.”

Siarne benefits from a strong support system and trains in Dubbo with David Low, from Harradine Performance Western Division, founded by Ken and Ben Harradine. Ben is a former Olympic-level discus competitor and Ken is an Olympic level throws coach.

Ms Sulter said Siarne’s coach possesses the expertise to maximise her potential, to enable her growth in both skills and confidence.

Decathlon

As a young man with a lot of athletic stamina, Kurt Rutter competed in the Under 20’s and Open Decathlon, securing seventh place overall.

He achieved a personal best by clearing 1.9 metres in the high jump, a goal he has pursued for some time, and was 30 points off an overall personal best.

Another highlight was the opportunity to compete against Olympic-level athletes, however, Kurt said he felt challenged by the wait times for his events.

“This year I will build on ways of preparing my energy and food intake, to keep consistent levels of energy throughout the comp,” Kurt said.

“To prepare for nationals I had quality sessions, over massive sessions, to finesse and add the final touches to my technique.

“I am feeling good, my body is feeling good and I am keen to keep moving forward.”

Nationals was a learning curve for both Siarne and Kurt. The athletes will now prepare for school athletic carnivals with the aim to progress from Zone to State level.

IMAGE: Kurt Rutter jumped his personal best high jump record at the National Championships.