Ex-Newcastle student Torrie Lewis capped a brilliant “junior career” by claiming silver at the 2024 World Athletics Under-20 Championships at the weekend.
Her medal was just one of six Australia snared on a historic afternoon in Lima, Peru.
After making her Olympic Games debut in Paris, the former Macquarie Hunter Athletics Club member picked up second in the 200m sprint.
Delivering a personal best of 22.88 (0.0) in the women’s final, Lewis – now based in Queensland – added World Under-20 silver to her growing resume.
She finished behind Adaejah Hodge, who blazed a 22.74.
“I’m just so glad I came away with a PB,” the 10-year-old said.
“It’s all I wanted and there is nothing better I could have done.
“To finally finish off my junior career; this will probably be my last race running as a junior specifically in an individual event.
“I’ve never been on a podium of this magnitude.
“So, this is the first time I’ve had a flag around myself.”
Another athlete capturing everyone’s attention on the international stage was 16-year-old sensation Gout Gout.
He celebrated his much-anticipated global championship debut with silver over 200m, living up to the occasion with a career-best run of 20.60 (-0.7).
Under pressure off the bend as South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza secured the sprint double in 20.52, Gout opened his signature stride late in the race to close in on his rival.
“I feel really relieved after a long two weeks of being in Lima,” he said.
“I’ve been training, grinding and waiting patiently for this moment to happen.
“Now that it’s done, I’m really glad and ready to rest up for the relay [tomorrow].”
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