Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Macquarie Hunter Athletics Club in my electorate is a breeding ground for champions. Many athletes from this club participated in the 2023 Australian Junior Championships in Queensland and took home a heap of medals of all colours. But one stood out above the pack. I'm proud to report to the House that the Hunter is home to a national champion. Under-14s athlete Caden Andrews took home gold and is now the Australian under-15s javelin champion. Caden had four throws of a 700-gram javelin. His first throw was 45.5 metres. He improved with his second throw, throwing it 46.76 metres. Both were huge throws, especially for someone who is 14 years of age. But it was his third throw—a massive 48.26 metres—that secured him the gold.

Caden, your coaches, family, friends and all who support you must be so proud. Congratulations on this incredible achievement. Keep working hard on your dreams and never give up. You're already an Australian champion, and I'm sure the future holds great things for you. The 2032 Olympics right here in Australia aren't too far away. If you keep going the way you have been, I have no doubt that we'll see you there in the green and gold and hopefully even see you on the podium one day soon.

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