Ky Garratt in action. Image: Fred Etter.
The Central West Throwers have once again led the way at the three-day 81st NSW Country Championships held in Dubbo last weekend.
Of particular note was the performance of Cowra’s Ky Garratt who smashed the NSW U20 Hammer throw record (69.08m), and became the first Australian to achieve a qualifying mark for the 2026 World U20 Championships (standard was 68.00m), launching his pathway to the international stage.
Coach Ernie Shankelton also has big hopes for the emerging talent of Canowindra’s Alex Rice who the U17/16s Hammer Throw with a distance of 44.97m.
In a thrilling open women Hammer throw, the Central West Throwers squad claimed the top-4 places: Molly Goetz (Temora) 49.98m, Kara Baker (ACT) 49.59m, Emily Thomas (Canowindra) 48.16m and Ashleigh McInerney (Young) 38.71m.
Over the weekend, Ernie’s 14 athletes won nine gold medals, three silver, seven bronze, set four championships records and of course Garrett’s NSW record. Congratulations to the entire team!