Athletics

Athletics

Eleven Pymble athletes travelled to Perth in December 2023 to compete at the Australian All Schools Championships. All athletes performed exceptionally well. The following Pymble athletes represented NSW: Abigail Ballhausen (Year 12), Georgia Phillips (Year 11), Sarah Baker (Year11), Sophia Slater (Year 10), Samara Bond (Year 10), Sybella Warton (Year 10), Grace Townsend (Year 10), Matilda Harrison (Year 9), Eloise Stewart (Year 8), Eliza Lawton (Year 7) and Amalia Bond (Year 7).

The following athletes achieved these outstanding results:

  • Eliza Lawton (Year 8) 1st in the u14 800m and 1500m. Eliza smashed the meet record and incredibly achieved the World Junior qualifying time, although she is too young to be selected
  • Amalia Bond (Year 8) 2nd in u14 triple jump
  • Sarah Baker (Year 12) 2nd in u17 1500m
  • Eloise Stewart (Year 9) 2nd in u14 hammer throw
  • Samara Bond (Year 11) 3rd in u17 200m
  • Sybella Warton (Year 11) 3rd in u17 100m and 200m para
  • Grace Townsend (Year 11) 3rd in u17 400m hurdles

Following All Schools was the National Schools Challenge which is always an exciting event to finish off the Year. Our three teams were outstanding in track and field events, contributing valuable points throughout the day. The outstanding team atmosphere was a true testament to our Pymble athlete’s determination and unwavering Pymble pride and reflected in the impressive results. Our junior team was dominant throughout the day and came away with a convincing win. Our intermediate team were persistent throughout the day, but the result came down to the relay which proved to be very exciting with our Pymble team achieving a very impressive win. In our senior team, three Year 12 students interrupted their schoolies week to join the team. Eloise Stewart (Year 9) also stepped up to join the team at very short notice. The team achieved third place. To have all teams on the podium is just exceptional.

The two wins has given Pymble the impressive title of the most successful school in Australia, (both in boys and girls), in the 30-year history of the event. Since 2009, Pymble has competed every year and the contribution of so many Pymble athletes have culminated in this remarkable achievement.

Four Pymble athletes travelled to Canberra on the Australia Day long weekend to compete at the ACT Championships. Congratulations to Sybella Warton (Year 11) who won the u20 para 100, Matilda Harrison (Year 10) who secured a Personal Best in the 100m, Claudia Wyatt (Year 8) who achieved the qualifying time for National u15 Steeplechase and Lana Pike (Year 11) who competed in the 800m and 1500m.

At Sydney Olympic Park (SOP), Sarah Lovell (Year 11) and Louise Lovell (Year 11) competed in the NSW Combined Championships, competing in seven events. Sarah was in second place with two events to go and, with Pymble determination and grit, achieved the NSW u18 title. Louise finished in 8th place – a commendable effort.

Sophia Slater (Year 11) and Georgia Phillips (Year 12) also competed at SOP, achieving the National 3km Steeplechase qualifying standard. Well done! Congratulations to all Pymble athletes and coaches who support our students to work towards and achieve these amazing results.

Deb Walsham

Head Coach – Athletics