11.11.2009

McLellan to lead search for Victoria's fastest kid

Are you the speedster on the sporting ground, or the pacesetter in the playground? Can you burn up the backyard or fly across the field? Are you ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid’?

High energy, low fuss, action-packed and fun, ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid’ opens the track to all comers, to experience the thrill and excitement of 100m sprint racing.

A family-friendly event for the young and fleet-footed, the champion boy and girl of ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid’ will receive a 12-month adidas sponsorship, valued at over $1000. In addition, eight pairs of adidas running shoes will be up for grabs to lucky entrants in a random prize draw – one per qualifying round venue.

Open to any child aged  12 years or under (as at December 31, 2009), ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid’ follows a series of knockout qualification rounds to determine 256 quarter-finalists, which will be reduced to 32 semi-finalists (16 boys, 16 girls). Racing will be conducted over 100m, with the semi-finals and final to be held at the Zatopek:10 at Olympic Park (December 10, 2009) to crown ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid.’

In a coup for the event, 2008 Beijing Olympic Games silver medalist Sally McLellan has joined Athletics Victoria as the official event ambassador for ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid.’

An eight-time national champion by the age of 22, McLellan burst onto the national scene as a 14 year-old to win the U20 100 metres national crown in 2001.

McLellan’s love of athletics has been lifelong.

“As a kid, I just loved to race and run fast. Whether it was at Little Athletics or club meets, I loved to compete. I won’t lie, I love to win too, but athletics has always been about having fun.”

And in McLellan’s role as event ambassador for ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid,’ sharing her love of the sport and her passion for competing is a priority.

“'Victoria’s Fastest Kid’ is about experiencing the thrill of competition and track racing. We want all kids from all sporting backgrounds and abilities to come and have a go. Who knows, Victoria’s fastest kid could be a footballer or a netballer.  

“It’s fast and frantic. Anything can happen, and everyone on the start line has a chance,” says McLellan, who as a 17-year-old became the youngest ever track and field athlete to represent Australia at the world championships.

“Sprinting is the easiest of any track and field event to try. It’s short and sharp, and you just need a willing mind and body to get involved.

“Entering ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid’ could open up a whole new sporting world to kids that they just aren’t aware of. There’s absolutely nothing to lose by having a go.”

McLellan is the current national record holder for the 100m hurdles, and is the second fastest Australian woman of all time over 100m.

Qualification rounds of ‘Victoria’s Fastest Kid’ will be held at the conclusion of racing at specified AV Shield and Little Athletics meets on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2009. Each qualification round is limited to 128 boys and 128 girls, so early registration and entry is recommended on the day at each venue.

An athlete can only enter once at each qualifying venue, however can enter and race at multiple venues. Entry costs $5 per athlete (per venue).

For a complete list of venues and qualifying round information, visit athsvic.org.au.