IT has been a long jump between medals for local junior athlete, Kyle Griffiths.
But, since returning to the Cohuna Little Athletics Centre late last year, the 15-year-old has already broken six records.
The Cohuna Secondary College student has returned to the centre after close to 10 years on the sidelines, and has already become accustomed to podium presentations.
“I enjoy the sport because I can do what I like with friends. It’s just a bonus when you are good at the sport,” Kyle said.
Kyle has broken two records in javelin (35.80 metres), one in triple jump (10.94 metres), two in long jump (5.40 metres) and one in 400-metres (1.02.37).
“I don’t do a lot of training; I guess I am just naturally gifted, but I don’t get it from my father,” he said.
“I am getting better and breaking my own previous records.”
Standing at about 173 centimetres in height, Kyle said he will pursue athletics as a profession if he is good at it.
“My favourite event is javelin and long jump. I also play soccer in Moama so am good with my feet,” he said.
Kyle said he appreciated the feedback from club officials and coaches on how to improve his technique.
“Just keep trying and have a go; you don’t know how good you can be if you don’t attempt something for the first time,” he said.
“I have plenty of little friends that I enjoy mentoring.
“My parents keep telling me how athletic I was growing up. I would climb trees and freak mum out; on top of the garage roof by the age of three; leaping over tall fences by age five.
“I have always been active, not much luck in pinning me down.”
Centre president, Mike Anthony said Kyle is close to breaking more records when the 2015/16 season resumes on Friday, January 29.
“He has the right attitude and has got a good crack at smashing the shot put record,” he said.
“The younger athletes all gravitate towards Kyle, and to think he has been off the track and field for so long and still come back cold and smash those records is a unbelievable.”
