WA'S YOUNGEST ATHLETES SHINE BRIGHT IN TRINBAGO

Young stars Niamh Mac Alasdair and Reese Prior have dominated the competition at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games, with both claiming well-deserved medals and setting new personal bests. Up and comers Josiah John and Ky Hehir also both claimed top five finishes in extremely strong performances, rounding out what was a highly successful campaign for WA.

17-year-old Niamh Mac Alasdair (UWA, Danny Kevan) has led the way for WA with a spectacular result in the T38 Long Jump. Proving herself as a future champion and athlete to watch, Mac Alasdair made the most of her Australian debut and jumped a massive 4.09m to claim the silver medal. Mac Alasdair’s silver was made even sweeter given that her training partner, Reese Prior (UWA, Danny Kevan) joined her on the podium after claiming bronze.

“It’s crazy that we’ve come all the way from Perth together and jumped to win silver and bronze,” MacAlasdair said.

“These are among the first para-events at the Youth Games, and I hope this highlights anyone can get involved in sport, particularly when they’re support by one of their best friends.”

Prior also impressed in the Caribbean competition, leaping 3.73m in the T38 Long Jump competition to claim a well-deserved bronze medal.  

“I’m beyond excited that I’ve won a bronze. Niamh and I push each other, and this whole experience together has been amazing,” Prior added.

At only 15 years old, Josiah John (UWA, Asad Hosseni) has put his best foot forward for his debut in the Green and Gold. Competing in both the 100m and 200m, John had a busy schedule of races to contend. Opening his campaign with the 100m, John advanced to the semi-finals to place fifth in a time of 11.04 but was unable to progress to the final against tough competition. While in the 200m competition John was once again able to secure a spot in the semi-finals, this time placing fourth with a time of 21.66.

Australian Junior Champion Ky Hehir (UWA, Matthew Ramsden) wrapped up proceedings for the WA contingent with a strong performance at Hasley Crawford Stadium. Contesting the 3000m final, Hehir fell just short of the podium and place fourth with and admirable 8:25.81.

Australian athletes produced spectacular performances across the Youth Games to claim a total of 64 medals, with 26 of those being gold.

Full Australian results from finals at the Commonwealth Youth Games can be found HERE.

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By Dylan Gane, Athletics West

Additional reporting by Commonwealth Games Australia

Posted on 11 August 2023