Small in numbers but might in spirit, the Northern Terrtory’s 11 young athletes are ready to make their presence known at the Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Championships in Small in numbers but might in spirit, the Northern Terrtory’s 11 young athletes are ready to make their presence known at the Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Championships in Melbourne next month.Melbourne next month.
From Darwin to Milingimbi, this year’s Team NT features a trio of emerging talents who embody passion and Territory pride.
Briseis Brittain
School: Casuarina Secondary College
Club: Darwin Athletics Club
Coach: Roger Chin
Events: U20 Para 100m, 200m and Long Jump
A familiar name and face in Australian Para-athletics, 17-year-old Briseis Brittain leads the NT charge in Melbourne. Coming off a standout season which saw her make her Australian team debut at the World Para Athletics Championships, the future star of Para-athletics will headline three events in the sprints and long jump.
The Casuarina College Student and the first Arnhem Land teen from Ramingining and Maningrida to compete for Australia has previously said she loves running because it feels fun and free is fuelled by the success of Cathy Freeman. She won three gold medals at the 2024 edition of the Championships, and with season best times of 13.78, 27.51 and a jump of 3.47m, she is looking forward to once again grabbing onto gold.
David Ekpo
A newcomer on the national stage, David Ekpo is one to watch in both the sprints and high jump. Representing Darwin Athletics Club, the 13-year-old brings raw speed, enthusiasm and infectious energy to Team NT.
While this will be his first taste of national competition, he has season bests times and heights of 24.73, 58.35 and 1.70m which would have comfortably propelled him into last year’s finals, showing he has what it takes to surprise himself.
Leeshaun Murphy
School: Milingimbi School
Club: Athletics NT
Mentor: Suzanne Grayson and Margaret Hamley
Events: U16 High Jump and Javelin Throw
Hailing from the small island community of Milingimbi, Leeshaun Murphy returns for his second Australian Athletics All Schools Championships with unfinished business.
Competing in the High Jump and Javelin, Leeshaun is set to bring grit, focus and quiet determination to his fields, with his journey from the most remote parts of Australia to the national stage a reminder of what makes a Championships like this so special – giving every athlete, no matter where they come from the chance to shine.
The Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Championships run from December 4-7, with tickets available for purchase HERE.
By Sascha Ryner, Australian Athletics
Posted: 14/11/2025
