The Rio Tinto Pilbara Festival of Athletics has had a successful first day in Karratha and Tom Price, Western Australia.
The athlete line-up includes Jessica Hull, Lachlan Kennedy, Matthew Denny, Michelle Jenneke, Vanessa Low, Abbey Caldwell, Rhiannon Clarke, Lianna Davidson, Aidan Murphy and Yual Reath, bringing some of the biggest names in Australian athletics directly to Pilbara communities.
At the Karratha Leisureplex, Hull and Kennedy enjoyed every minute of the clinic, giving back after their incredible 2026 season on the track.
“It’s super cool seeing the kids get out here and giving their all,” Kennedy said.
“I think this is a great opportunity to give back a little bit, to help kids who might not have access to athletics, in such a cool spot here in the Pilbara.”
Hull agreed with her fellow Australian teammate.
“It’s definitely rewarding for me,” she said.
“When we are out there the feedback from the kids is always so positive, and that’s the best part of it.
“Everyone is enjoying it and learning new skill at the same time.”
Discus champion Matt Denny also was very supportive of the Festival, put on by Rio Tinto and Australian Athletics.
“We are doing lots of clinic and trying to get some kids to throw, jump and run,” he said.
More than 1,300 students from 14 schools across Karratha, Dampier, Wickham, Pannawonica, Tom Price and Paraburdoo will are taking part in the Festival, giving young people the opportunity to experience athletics first-hand and learn from athletes competing at the highest level.
The Pilbara Festival of Athletics continues tomorrow across the region.
By Luke Dennehy, Australian Athletics
Posted 10/10/226
