By Nick Creely
Hudson McKay is a young man well and truly on the rise, an athlete with not only supreme talent, but a mature head on his shoulders.
The St Michael’s Berwick grade six student and Berwick Little Athletics Club star will jet off to Darwin to represent Team Victoria from 18 September to 23 September at the School Sports Australia ‘Track and Field’ Championships, the second time he has been a part of the Victorian team.
The 12-year-old has had an amazing year competing in Little Athletics events, and is the current champion of the Victorian Under 12 Boys Combined Event, Victorian Under 12 Boys 80 metre hurdles and current Victorian record holder for the Under 12 Boys 80 metre hurdles.
Hudson said that after an incredible year that has seen him shine on the big stage, he simply can’t wait to go away and continue his success.
“I excelled in all my events which led to me being selected to represent Victoria again,” he said.
“I’m extremely excited to head to Darwin with the Vic team and compete against the best in Australia. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
Hudson will be competing in an astonishing seven events – the 100-metre sprint, long jump, 4×100 relay, and the combined event, which comprised of 100 metres, long jump, shot put and 800 metres.
But despite Hudson’s incredible talent and thirst to succeed, the youngsters said he trains extremely hard with his coach.
“I train three times a week with my athletics coach Mike Donato,” he said.
“We do a range of different training that helps with my sprinting, jumping and throwing events. He is a great coach and I enjoy training under him.”
Hudson – who idolises recently retired sprinters Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson, Jesse Owens and Sally Pearson – has been in the athletics field since just a small kid, and hasn’t regretted the decision since. He is a complete natural.
“I joined Berwick Little Athletics Club (formally Casey Little Athletics) when I was five years old,” he said.
“I started athletics as Mum and Dad thought it would be a fun sport to do as there is all different events you can have a go at like the sprints, long distance running, jumping and throwing.
“I’m still a member of Berwick Little Athletics club and look forward to the new season starting in October.”
Hudson is looking forward to the nice warm weather expected in Darwin, and acknowledged the close people in his life that have got him this far in his career.
“I could not be where I am today without the help of my parents, Natalie and Ben,” he said.
“They are my biggest support at all my competitions, they drive me to all my training sessions and help me to be my very best.
“I would also like to thank my awesome coach, Mike Donato. His support and guidance at training and competitions has been amazing.”
