He might be enjoying a brief reprieve from his studies but Mitchell Clarke’s athletics success means there will be no break from training over the school holidays.
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The Carinya Tamworth student was, following his performances at the Combined Independent Schools Championships in Sydney in the last week of term, selected in the CIS Secondary Merit team. To be selected athletes had to place first, second or third in their respective event.
Clarke made the team in the 16yrs 200m after winning silver with a personal best time of 22.95secs. He was ecstatic with his run, shaving a big chunk off his previous best and breaking the 23 second barrier for the first time.
His selection in the merit team also earned Clarke the opportunity to compete at the All Schools Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park on October 12-15, although there won’t be a CIS team as such competing.
Clarke will also contest the 400m, long jump, which he placed fourth in at the CIS championships, and the 100m.
He just missed out on the podium in a close sprint with only three hundredths of a second separating first, second, third and fourth.
It will be Clarke’s first time competing at the All Schools. While he has qualified before, various circumstances have meant he hasn’t been able to race.
Coached by Andrew Frend, further on the horizon for Clarke is the Nationals in Adelaide.
Younger brother Zachary also qualified to compete at the CIS Championships and was seventh in the 14yrs 800m.
He also clocked a personal best time and is entered to go to All Schools, although it could clash with cricket commitments.
“For him cricket comes before athletics,” mum Catherine said.
Both boys earlier in the year represented the NSW Cyclones at the Australian Junior Indoor Cricket Championships. Zac padded up for the successful 13&U boys side while Mitchell played for the 15&U boys.
