Only three years ago discus thrower Elijah Wilson had another event he excelled at when it came to athletics.
When he was 16, he could jump a handy 1.80m in the high jump, before he switched to the throws full time and he never looked back.
Now 19, Wilson (ACT, Rowan Vergano) is pumped to be part of a super strong throwing team for the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA in early August.
Normally the high jump, discus and shot put don’t go together, but for Wilson it was what appealed to him, the diversity of the sport.
“I started in Little Athletics, running, jumping and throwing, I loved it all,” he said.
“When I got to about 16, I was more of a high jumper, but then my coach made me do some shot put and I made it to Nationals and won a silver medal.
“I decided to bulk up a bit and give it a good go.
“I don’t think I could jump over that height now!”
Wilson has a very handy 60.68m personal best in the discus which he threw last year.
To qualify for the World Athletics U20 Championships he threw close to that at the Australian Athletics Junior Championships in Brisbane in April, winning on his first throw with a huge 59.63m.
Wilson had hoped to make the team two years earlier in Peru, so he was delighted to be named in the team for Oregon.
He has one role model in the sport, superstar Australian thrower Matt Denny.
“I’m always looking at his numbers and what he has been doing, even when I’ve been lucky enough to train with him,” he said.
“It’s just awesome.
“He is not only a great support for younger throwers, but even older throwers in the community.”
Only Denny has thrown further in the discus when it comes to Australian throwers this year, so Wilson has earnt his place training with him.
When he isn’t training in the country town of Gunning in New South Wales at least four times a week in the discus circle, Wilson is an impressive golfer and he loves the sport.
“I love golf, I’m hoping to try to shoot under 80.”
In Eugene there will be a team of eight throwers in a talent heavy Australian team going for gold.
This includes Chelsy Wayne, who is the only thrower on the team who competed at the last Championships two years ago in Peru.
“It’s awesome to be back on the team again,” she said.
“This is my second U20 World Championships, and after I made the first team I set my mind to making it for the second time so I couldn’t be happier.
Wilson was full of praise for his fellow throwers, and the whole Team of athletes who are excitedly preparing for Oregon.
“Right now, Australia is producing some awesome young throwers and athletes in general,” he said.
“Knowing I’m part of it, we are all part of it, is a great feeling.”
The World Athletics U20 Championships take place in Eugene, Oregon, United States From August 5 to August 9.
By Luke Dennehy, Australian Athletics
Posted 25/6/2026
