Little Athletics Stars Rewrite Half a Century of History

Twenty Australian Best Performances (ABPs) were achieved during the 2025-26 Little Athletics season, with a group of emerging stars rewriting some of the oldest marks in the record books.

Headlined by four remarkable performances over 400m, two athletes claiming multiple ABPs and relay teams rewriting records that had stood for more than four decades, the 2025-26 season produced some of the most significant achievements in Little Athletics history.

Lowe Ends a 50-Year Reign

The oldest Australian Best Performance on the books belonged to Glen Murgatroyd, whose Boys Under 9 400m mark of 1:04.04 mins had stood since 1975.

Fifty years later, Liam Lowe finally brought the record to an end, clocking 1:03.20 mins to become the owner of the longest-standing ABP ever broken.

What made the feat even more special was that Lowe had no idea history was on the line.

“I didn’t even know there was an Australian Best Performance so I was amazed that I beat a 50-year-old record by 1.2 seconds. I felt really proud of myself,” Lowe said.

Running in a timed final, the youngster simply focused on producing a personal best.

“I felt strong. When I saw the time on the clock I was really impressed and I knew I had run well.”

The performance has given Lowe added confidence, with the aspiring Olympian already dreaming big.

“This achievement means a lot to me because it gives me more confidence in the 400m. In the future, I would love to go to the Olympics one day.”

Pate Claims Two Australian Best Performances

Girls Under 12 star Harlow Pate enjoyed a season to remember, setting Australian Best Performances in both the 200m and 400m.

Her 400m performance proved particularly special. Pate first broke Kerry Bowers’ record from 1979 at the NSW Championships before lowering it again at the 2026 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships in Brisbane, eventually bringing the ABP down to 56.46 seconds.

The record had stood for 46 years.

“To then have it announced I’d broken a long-standing ABP that had stood since 1979 was really special,” Pate said.

“It was then a real privilege to be able to represent Team NSW and lower it again at ALAC nationals in Brisbane, which meant everything to me, knowing my name is part of Little Athletics Australia history.”

While the final 100 metres are always tough, Pate says all the hard work throughout the season made the achievement even sweeter.

“I’m really proud of this achievement, and just grateful that all the hard work with training over this season has really paid off.”

Her ultimate goal?

“One day represent Australia at the highest level with the ultimate dream to compete at the 2032 home Olympics in Brisbane.”

Two ABPs and a Full-Circle Moment for Chappell

Boys Under 13 athlete Lachlan Chappell also enjoyed a breakthrough season, setting Australian Best Performances in both the 100m and 400m.

His 400m performance carried an added touch of significance, with Chappell clocking 50.52 seconds to eclipse Fred Martin’s mark of 52.04 seconds that had stood since 1980.

In a fitting twist, Martin was on hand to present Chappell with his gold medal at the NSW Junior Championships where the record fell, creating one of the most memorable moments of the season.

“I really couldn’t believe it when I found out. To break a record like this is something I never imagined for myself,” Chappell said.

Focused only on executing his race, Chappell didn’t realise the magnitude of what he had achieved until after crossing the line.

“When I first saw my result after the race it was an unbelievable feeling and just so much excitement to know my dedication had paid off.”

The achievement has only strengthened his motivation to continue improving.

“My dream is to represent Australia in the future.”

Robinson Rises to the Occasion

Girls Under 13 athlete Poppy Robinson also etched her name into the history books, taking down a record that had stood for 43 years.

Robinson ran 56.55 seconds to better Suzanne Broadrick’s mark from 1982, producing a gutsy finish after a thrilling race down the home straight at the 2026 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

“In the last 50 metres I couldn’t feel my legs but I heard my friends cheering me on and pushed my hardest,” Robinson said.

After crossing the line, it was her personal best that first caught her attention.

“When I looked over at the clock I knew I had run 56 something so I knew that was a PB. I was excited and proud of myself about that. It feels pretty unreal.”

Like many young athletes, Robinson has her sights set on one day wearing the green and gold.

“My dream is to represent my country and the ultimate would be to make the Olympics in a sprint.”

NSW Relay Teams Complete Historic Clean Sweep

The record-breaking didn’t stop there.

At the 2026 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships in Brisbane, New South Wales completed a remarkable clean sweep of the Under 12 4x100m relays, with both the boys and girls teams claiming gold and setting new Australian Best Performances.

The boys’ quartet clocked 48.64 seconds to break South Australia’s mark of 49.94 that had stood since 1982, while the girls ran 50.32 seconds to eclipse the previous record of 50.44 set by New South Wales in 1979.

Together, the relay teams capped off a remarkable season that saw six Australian Best Performances older than 40 years rewritten.

With 20 new Australian Best Performances achieved across the country, the 2025-26 season will be remembered not only for the history that was made, but for the young athletes whose performances continue to inspire the next generation of Australian stars.

2026 Australian Best Performances

By Stephanie Grujoski, Coles Little Athletics | Australian Athletics

Posted 5/6/2026