ECHUCA Moama Little Athletics participants Elijah Swiggs (10) and Nate Smith (9) took a major step forward in their development after they took part in the Stawell Gift last weekend.
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As part of the Little Athletics component of the event, the duo found themselves in the 100m handicap.
Against a range of athletes, ageing from eight to 16, the pair performed admirably.
Swiggs finished fourth in his heat in a time of 12.13s, while Smith completed his in 12.30s for a fifth placed finish.
Unfortunately, it was not enough to earn either a place in the semi-finals.
‘‘We are extremely proud of how the boys did,’’ Swiggs’ mother Nicole Fraser said.
‘‘It was always going to be difficult racing against older kids, but they gave it their all.’’
In front of a large crowd, the pair could have easily been forgiven for getting stage fright.
Despite the nerves, they were raring to go come race time as they wrote their own place in the history books.
‘‘The atmosphere of the entire event was memorable,’’ Fraser said.
‘‘Both boys really embraced what they were involved in.
‘‘By the end of the competition, I think they understood how special the Stawell Gift is.’’
With the event continuing to add to its rich history, Echuca Moama Little Athletics wants to see more members on the big stage in the future.
‘‘It’s a tribute to the boys’ endeavour,’’ president Leon Moon said.
‘‘They’ve gained the reward from what they’ve put in at our centre and regional events.
‘‘From a club perspective, we are building strength but it all starts with participation.
‘‘The more kids who can get involved, the better chance of representation at these types of events.’’
