By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Knox Little Athletics Club is sending a wave of pride to Adelaide this April, with six of its standout young athletes selected to represent Victoria at the 2025 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC) – and they couldn’t be more thrilled.
The championships, held at SA Athletics Stadium from 26–27 April, bring together the country’s best Under 13 to Under 15 athletes in a team-based competition, with individual medals and state pride on the line.
Eight athletes from Knox Little Athletics will compete at the 2025 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships in Adelaide – and for our local athletes, it’s about more than results – it’s a celebration of years of dedication, friendship, and community spirit.
Luke Fisher, 14, has been a familiar face at Knox since he first laced up his runners in Under 6s – a State Champion in the javelin, he will take on both the javelin and shot put in Adelaide.
“When I found out, I was thrilled,” he said.
“It felt like all my hard work had paid off. I love the challenge of perfecting my javelin technique and watching it soar – every throw is a chance to improve.”
The joy of the sport also runs deep for the Baldy siblings, Julia (12) and Damian (14). Both started in the early years of Little Athletics and are now heading to their first ALAC as race walkers.
Julia, competing in the Under 13 1500m walk, is excited to meet athletes her age from across the country.
“I met my best friend at Little Athletics,” she said. “It’s so much more than just competing.”
For Damian, this ALAC marks his final year in Little Athletics, and he’s determined to make it count.
“It’s my first and last ALAC, so I’m looking forward to giving it my best go for Victoria,” he said.
Joining them is Hirun Wijerathne, 13, who will represent Victoria in both the 90m and 200m hurdles.
Having joined Knox in 2017, Hirun has found joy in learning new techniques and pushing himself each season.
“Training for hurdles is fun – there’s always something new,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to giving it my best and hopefully getting a PB (personal best).”
Ben Tornatora, 14, is no stranger to the big stage. After breaking the national 100m record last year, he’s heading to ALAC again, competing in the 100m, 200m, 400m and relay.
“It’s a great opportunity – not many kids get to experience this,” he said. “I’m aiming for a personal best and to enjoy every moment with my mates.”
Rounding out the Knox team is 13-year-old Chloe Grund, a seasoned long-distance runner with national experience. Just last week, Chloe returned from Perth, where she competed in the Athletics Australia Junior Nationals, setting personal bests in both the 800m and 1500m in the U14 category.
She’ll be competing in the 1500m in Adelaide, one of her favourite events.
Chloe’s journey started at Sherbrooke before moving to Knox in Under 12s – inspired by watching her parents compete in masters athletics.
“I’ve made some of my best friends through Little Aths,” she said.
“I’m just excited to race and hopefully hit a PB – I’m aiming for 4:40.”
Chloe’s passion is backed by her parents, Shane and Danielle Grund, who couldn’t be prouder.
“Chloe is passionate about athletics, always gives her best and works hard to achieve her goals,” they said.
“She’s already represented Victoria for the past three years and this will be her 10th national championship. Most importantly, it’s her dedication to her dreams that we admire most.”
Mr Grund also coaches long-distance and cross-country athletes at Knox, helping shape the next generation of runners like Chloe.
The group’s stories reflect more than talent – they show the heart of Little Athletics: family, fun, and fitness. Whether it’s four-square between events, shared Saturday mornings, or the support of coaches like Fran, Mike, Allan and Shane, these young athletes are backed by a village.
As Damian puts it: “It’s not just about competing – it’s about hanging out with your friends and becoming a better athlete along the way.”
With Adelaide just around the corner, the Knox Little Athletics team is ready to do their community proud – and no matter the result, they’ve already achieved something remarkable.
