Max Hatzoglou
St Albans youngster Zulqarnain Haider almost had too many medals to carry around his neck by the time he finished his incredible Australian Little Athletics Championships held at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium on April 23-24.
The 13-year-old from Keilor Little Athletics, affectionately known as Zulq, won gold medals in six events including the 100m, 200m, 80m hurdles, 200m hurdles, 4 x 100m relay and medley relay.
The wins helped Victoria lift the major team trophy for the championship in the under-13’s.
Haider was proud of his performance and thankful to those who support him.
“I feel really proud to win gold at ALAC and I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and parents,” Haider said.
“It’s great to have my parents see me compete and to see how proud they were.
The year 8 Wesley College student enjoyed the chance to represent his state and hopes to progress to making the Australian team in future.
“It’s an amazing experience to represent Victoria and knowing that the Victorian team is just a step away from an Australian team,” he said.
“It’s been a really big season so it’s great to finish it with ALAC and competing with my friends and for my state.”
Zulq was selected among 43 under-13 and under-15 athletes to represent Victoria at the national event, which was held for the first time in three years due to COVID restrictions.
This was the first time the Australian Little Athletics Championships had been held since 2019 due to Covid, while it was also the first time athletes with disabilities were able to compete in multi-class events.
Little Athletics Australia president Sherrie Boulter said the championships were an excellent way to conclude a successful summer season for Little Athletics in Australia.
“It’s great to have the Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships back after a two-year hiatus due to COVID and to be able to include multi-class athletes for the very first time,” Boulter said.
“The event has been sorely missed by everyone and to have our best Under 13 and Under 15 athletes competing for their state once again is extremely important for the Little Athletics pathway and for the kids to showcase their talent on a national stage.”
