Maitland Senior Athletics Club’s Mitchell Lightfoot is hoping the “home ground advantage” will serve him well at the 2022 NSW Country Championships this weekend.

The promising teenager will be among a host of future stars, who’ll showcase their talents at the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre over the next three days.

It’s the first occasion the event has been conducted in town, with the city’s state-of-the-art facility chosen for a full range of track and field disciplines from Friday 21 January to Sunday 23 January.

“It’s great to have the NSW Country Championships come to Maitland, not just for me but for everyone, including kids from other rural areas,” Lightfoot said.

“It is an opportunity for family and friends, people who wouldn’t usually get to see us when we’re travelling around so much, to watch the races in person.

“They can see them in action, which can boost an athlete’s confidence.

“As well, the facilities here are terrific, the track has settled in really nicely, and I know that there are people running PBs on it.

“They’re top tier amenities, up to par with national standards, and to be able to train here up to three times a week has been really good for me.”

Lightfoot said he expected the big contingent from the Maitland Senior Athletics Club to shine, too.

“We’ve got some good athletes in the organisation – and coming through the ranks,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“So, it’s an excellent chance for them to gain some experience at a bigger meet.

“The competition will be strong.”

The 18-year-old recently ran a PB of 13.62 seconds in the 110m hurdles at the NSW All School Championships last month.

That result earned him a spot on the World Juniors Australian team, which will head to Colombia in August.

But, before that, he’ll attempt to better his time in his hometown.

“I’m only contesting the U20 110m hurdles, I’m not doing the (100m) sprint,” Lightfoot said.

“I am saving myself for the 2022 Athletics ACT Under-20 and Open Championships the following week.

“That’s the priority for me and my coach Andy Burton.

“Down there, I’ll be competing in heats and finals for both races on the same day.

“So, I’m sort of resting myself for that comp.

“That’s not to downplay the NSW Country Championships.

“I’m hoping to PB [here] as much as possible – and finetune my performance in readiness for the ACT.

“That’s the aim every meet this season.

“If I can get close to the runs I’ve done in the past month, I’ll be more than happy.”

Lightfoot heads into the event in sizzling form but he’s keen to chip more seconds off his times.

“My PB in the 100m hurdles is 13.62,” he said.

“So, if I can run under that in the next two comps it would make my day.

“As for the 100m sprint, I haven’t broken into the 10s yet due to a lack of races.

“At the moment, my PB’s 11 seconds flat, so I’m getting there.

“My coach believes I’m more than capable of breaking into the 10s.

“It’s just a matter of when.”

Not surprisingly, Lightfoot’s ultimate goal, however, is to represent Australia.

“Whether it’s the Commonwealth or Olympic Games, that’s the dream,” he said.

“I just want to become the best athlete I can be.

“Honestly, I don’t want to chase the medals.

“I’m determine to better myself, register PBs and break records.

“That’s what I love.”

With up to 2,000 athletes and their families in town for the 2022 NSW Country Championships, Maitland City mayor Philip Penfold was beaming with pride.

“For Maitland to attract such a big event on the annual Athletics NSW calendar is a testament to the quality of our new Regional Athletics Centre,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Maitland for the weekend and showing them what our great city and local businesses have to offer.

“There’s plenty on over the next couple of days, too.”

Athletics NSW’s James Constantine said the NSW Country Championships were one of the most important events on their regional calendar.

“We’ve been here a few times to check out the facilities and they’re as good as anything that we’ve seen in the state,” he explained.

“It’s a coup for our athletes to have these facilities to compete at.

“We’re eager to work with local clubs, volunteers and businesses for a great weekend of athletics.”

Athletics NSW will host the event in a COVID-safe way.

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