The Ballarat athletics community is built on support, teamwork, and a shared love of the sport. Whether you’re competing, coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger — a network of people who show up, help out, and celebrate each other’s efforts. As we move through the season, it’s great to see our clubs bringing their energy, spirit, and pride to the track. This newsletter is here to share highlights, recognise achievements, and keep everyone connected across our local athletics family. If you would like your club achievements included please email this through to [email protected] before 25th of each month.
For all things AVSL this 25-26 season, please visit our AVSL Page.
Hi I’m Michelle Hawkes. I have been involved in athletics and cross country since I was 8 years old, I am now 51 and I still enjoy it as much as I did all those years ago. I am married to Brendan (for 28 years now) and have two boys Josh (25) and Lachie (22). I am also very proud to say that we all do athletics during the Track and Field season, and I really love that we have all done it for many years now. I have been a part of the Wendouree Athletic Club since I was 8 years old as well and I first became part of their committee when I was 16 years old and have been on the committee ever since then.
For BRAC or Athletics Ballarat I have been volunteering with admin for many years now, (I actually can’t remember when I started) but the previous admin lady couldn’t do it anymore and I volunteered to step up and help. We have a great team and a fabulous athletic community in Ballarat, and it makes it so easy to keep coming back year after year.
The thing I love most about athletics is how inclusive it is, there is something for everyone. Whether you want to be competitive or have some fun and keep fit at the same time. And if you don’t want to compete but stay involved there is officiating, and we always need club volunteers/helpers.
The other thing I love is the friendships that you make and the lifelong friends. There are so many and especially if you have started at a really young age and competed right though to being an open athlete and now a master’s athlete.
When I first started senior athletics, I was a sprinter and a triple jumper and for most people who know me now, know I run the same pace for all my running events (I can’t sprint or jump) Haha!!
I also barrack for Collinwood.
Persistence, consistency and dedication is the key to being a better athlete. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t the best junior athlete, if you persist and are consistent with your training and racing you will improve.
My most memorable moment as a volunteer was when Brendan, the two boys and I volunteered to help at one of the Australian Nitro rounds (Usain Bolt was in Melbourne for them). We were given these Coles red t-shirts and my youngest son Lachie has worn his to death. Only recently I have had to throw it away. The other 3 t-shirts were also used for a school swimming carnival as house T-Shirts for Red House.
Congratulations to YCW club member Sam Rizzo who made a successful trip to New Delhi for the World Para Championships from 27th September to the 5th October. Sam is a T54 wheelchair athlete and competed in the 5000m, 1500m & 800m events at the event. This was Sam’s 3rd trip to the Para World Championships and is building quite the international championship resume. He achieved the following results in the 3 events he qualified for:
YCW had a great deal of success at Weekend 1 of the Athletics Victoria All Schools Championships on 25th & 26th October which 7 of our club athletes attended. Conditions were incredibly challenging, especially for those on the Sunday with all the rain, thunder, lightning and delays! Our small groups of athletes made the most of the weekend walking away with 6 medals and some great PB’s. New club recruit Jett Hill had a great weekend winning both his heat and final in the U/14 Boys 400m to claim the gold medal and emulating his recent success at the SSV State Track & Field Championships in the 400m. Shona Wills took home 2 medals in her first championship event in the T20 category coming second in T20 U/20 100m and bronze in the U/20 Girls Triple Jump. Silver medals to Riley Shillito (U/18 2000m Steeple) and Aria Violini (U/16 Girls 1500m) who were narrowly close to claiming All Schools titles. Lastly Rebecca Brodie claiming her first All Schools medal in the U/18 Girls Discus in the challenging Sunday conditions.
New Wendouree uniforms have landed! The Wendouree Athletic Club are proud to be hitting the track this season in our new competition club Singlet and T-Shirt. Hopefully the feather like design will make our athletes fly down the track.
Each month we will highlight one of our talented athlete’s photographic and/or artistic skills.
Can you do better? Submit your entry to the Athletics Ballarat FaceBook page #Capturethespirit before 25th of each month.
At the end of the season we will call for votes and crown our “Best Photo – AVSL 25-26 season”
Kylie Mitchell is kicking us off with this spectacular shot.
I started when I was 6 at Maryborough little aths and loved it since then. The people keep me involved and the idea that you can always get better.
At the moment I would have to say the 3k – I like how it is a mix of middle and longer distance.
I always have 2 crumpets before any race.
There are so many to pick from, performance wise, winning my first state cross country title in Ballarat this year.
Anyone who is putting in the work to be better- whether it’s to improve health or training to win.
The support and shared motivation to share the love for athletics is something I really enjoy, as well as the genuine care the community has to see people succeed at any level.
Post long-run pancakes are a go-to for me.
Capable.
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November
Registrations close: Monday 13th October
Saturday 8th November
Entries open: 5pm – Wednesday 29th October. Entries close: 12pm - Wednesday 5th November
Saturday 15th November
Entries open: Wednesday 5pm – Wednesday 5th November. Entries close: Wednesday 12pm - Wednesday 12th November.
Saturday 22nd November
Entries open: 5pm - Wednesday 12th November. Entries close: 12pm - Wednesday 19th November.
Saturday 29th November
Entries open: 5pm - Wednesday 19th November. Entries close: 12pm - Wednesday 26th November.
Thursday 4th - Sunday 7th December
Registrations close: Monday 17th November 12pm
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th December
Entries close: 12pm Monday 1st December, 2025
