Katelyn returns from Thailand with placings

Ettalong athlete Katelyn Smith has returned from the International Federation for Persons with an Intellectual Disability Athletics Championships, held in Bangkok, Thailand, where she represented Australia in multiple events in May.

Smith represented Australia in the shot put where she placed 10th, the discus (seventh), hammer throw (fifth) and the javelin toss where she secured a podium position with second place.

The 20 year old, who did not have a formal coach for the event, worked with a professional coach for days on the paddock in preparation for the games.

The work paid off, with the professional help correcting minor flaws in Smith's body and hand positioning, giving her the boost in confidence and form that helped propel her onto the podium and silver medal.

The sudden but deserved success has thrust Smith further into the world of professional athleticism with her performance in the javelin already placing her as one to watch in the 2019 World Athletics Championships.

However, Smith, who is a Woy Woy Peninsula Little Athletics senior athlete and representative, has her sights set on the Global Games in Brisbane in 2019.

Smith said she was opting to skip the World Championships in favour of a shot at home turf glory in Brisbane.

SOURCE:

Website, 21 Jun 2017

Helen Rousell, Woy Woy Peninsula Little Athletics

Reporter: Dilon Luke