Liam McNally
A Sydenham-Hillside Primary School student has become a state hurdles champion.
Jaydin Petovic (10) took first place in the 9-10 boys 80 metre hurdle race at the Track and Field Primary State Championships on Wednesday, November 2.
To get to the state level, Jaydin first had to qualify at the school, district, divisional, and regional levels.
Jaydin said he is feeling proud of his achievement.
It’s clearly a big achievement to be the best 9/10 year old boys hurdler in Victoria, so yeah, I feel good about it,” he said.
Almost missed the race entirely, he said he didn’t know it was on and at the last minute Jaydin’s mum, Aldijana Petovic had to come and pick him up from school, and rush him to Lakeside stadium in Albert Park.
“I was shocked, I had PE that day and everyone was looking for me. We made it on time but it was pretty lucky,” he said.
This years’ athletics competition was Jaydin’s first foray into track and he said he practiced by racing around at school with his friends, but he said now it’s something he wants to pursue outside school as well.
Ms Petovic said she’s “super proud” of her son’s achievement.
“This was completely unexpected, because he’s a soccer player, he’s never done athletics before, so the win was a complete surprise. We’re super proud,” she said.
Jaydin also thanked his PE teachers Mr Lake and Mrs Myers for all the help they gave him.
