One of Australia's track and field stars recently got the chance to see what Bunbury Little Athletics is all about.
With support from Little Athletics WA, World Championship athlete and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kim Mickle visited the Hay Park venue on Friday, November 23.
Mickle led two throwing-specific clinics for Bunbury Little Athletics members, teaching them the tricks of the trade.
The participants got to learn more about warm-ups, training methods, and throwing techniques.
She also engaged with coaches and parents, teaching them the technical aspects of throwing events.
Mickle has led courses in Bunbury, Perth, and Margaret River this month.
She said the sessions were designed for current javelin throwers as well as for those thinking of trying a new event.
“Through coaching and being an athlete, I have learnt the things that work and the things that don’t,” she said.
“So, I now know the most important things to teach the kids first.
“Through this, I am teaching them how to throw safe and how to throw far.”
Bunbury made for a splendid host and a gorgeous place to visit, according to the champion athlete.
“I last came down in 2012, and Bunbury Little Athletics gave me full run of this place and access to everything,” she said.
“They just really looked after me and it was really nice.”
Much like those involved in the classes, Bunbury Little Athletics president Paul Lever was excited to see Mickle at the club.
“Any time the kids can learn from an Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist is very special,” he said.
“What she can pass on – in terms of the basics all the way through to the final techniques – is fantastic.
“We like seeing the kids getting to learn different skill sets and then being able to transfer them into throwing javelins that little bit further.
“The main thing is that they are learning and having fun while doing so.”
Mickle’s extensive list of accomplishments includes a silver medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.
The 33-year-old also represented her country at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janiero.
Mickle – a former Little Athletics WA member herself – said clubs like Bunbury Little Athletics were essential for finding Australia’s future sporting champions.
Interested in joining the club? Head to the Bunbury Little Athletics Facebook page for more information about the group’s events and activities.
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