Surveyors Creek Public School student Lachlan Green recently won a gold medal in discus, representing Sydney Metropolitan West at the NSW PSSA School Championships which were held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. The local athlete threw 37.04 metres, beating his competition personal best by 4.01 metres and crowning him the best 11-year-old boy in the state in discus in the NSW PSSA School’s competition.

Lachlan, who also competes weekly for Emu Plains Little Athletics Centre, trains twice a week for discus. He started little A’s at the age of 7, focussing on his running events. “In the Under 9’s, I started throwing further than the other kids. I was put into the state relay competition, so I thought I would give it a go. My Mum noticed I had potential and started taking me down to the fields to practice” said Lachlan.

Soon after, Lachlan qualified for the Regional Championships. One of the officials at the event noticed his feet were around the wrong way when throwing and Lachlan’s parents enlisted Rhys, a local coach to guide him. He went on to finish 16th in the state that year and was determined to work hard and improve.

In a devastating blow for the young athlete, after qualifying for the National Championships due to his first placing, Lachlan has had to withdraw due to an elbow injury. The injury could see him miss the whole athletics season. “My goal is to make the Nationals next year and to come first. I really want to beat the Queenslanders” he explained.

‘Lachy’ is hoping to come back bigger and better after his rehabilitation. For now, he has time to watch his other favourite sports, rugby league and soccer, and to cheer on his favourite athlete, Eden Hazard who plays for Chelsea in the Premier League.

“You just have to practice, believe in yourself and listen to your coach. Sometimes you have to give up things like going to Panther games or parties because it’s the same time as training, which I am ok with” he ended.

^ Lachlan with his gold medal | Image Supplied