Congratulations to Grace, who has closed out her All Schools athletics career in spectacular fashion, claiming the National Championship in the U18 Women’s 100m while proudly representing Victoria as a Loreto College Ballarat student. She ran a time of 11.68 seconds, where she not only set a new personal best but also achieved a World U20 Championships qualifying time, a huge milestone for this talented sprinter.
Grace also helped Victoria achieve a silver medal in the U18 4x100m relay, finishing in a close contest.
Adding to the excitement, her standout 11.68s performance is currently under review for four major records, which are now in the process of being ratified by Athletics Victoria. The potential records include:
- U17 Vic Country
- U17 Victorian
- U18 Vic Country
- U20 Vic Country
Reflecting on the championships, Grace said, “Obviously it was a really successful event for myself, but it was great to see many friends and competitors doing really well also. Athletics Victoria did a great job hosting in our hometown.”
She added that competing in All Schools over the years has taken her to Perth, Adelaide, and now to the top of the national podium.
Grace’s racing schedule continues at pace:
This Saturday, she lines up in the Zatopek:10 meet in Melbourne, competing in the open 60m event. Then it’s off to Adelaide for the Women’s 120m Bay Sheffield Gift which is on grass.
After a short break, she’ll head to Canberra for the ACT State Championships, followed by the Victorian Championships and Australian Championships in Brisbane, which double as trials for the World U20 Championships in Oregon, USA.
With the qualifying standard already under her belt, Grace remains hopeful: “I would love to get to Worlds, but Australian track and field in the U20 ranks is strong. Fingers crossed as it would be amazing!”
Between major meets, she plans to continue racing on the Gift circuit, including a return to the famous Stawell Gift.
With national titles, record-breaking times, and international aspirations already in reach, Grace’s sprinting future looks brighter than ever.