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The world is young Maitland athlete’s oyster

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The world is Mitchell Lightfoot’s oyster after the Hunter Valley young gun produced an exceptional international debut in Colombia on Thursday.

The Maitland Senior Athletics Club member, coached by Andy Burton, stunned his global opponents to not only register a PB (personal best) in the final of the 110m hurdles, but secure a top four finish, too.

The gifted Largs teenager, along with Australian team-mate Tayleb Willis, took their places on the starting line at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, in Cali, after strong showings in the lead-up races.

The pair then charged to fourth and equal fifth respectively.

Lightfoot, who also claimed the Athletics NSW Country Championships crown at the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre earlier this year, delivered the performance of his life.

He sizzled on the track to record 13.48 seconds, soaking in the atmosphere on a night that he had dreamt about for years on end.

It also followed up his time of 13.57 in the second round.

“The environment was unreal just coming together and racing the quickest boys in the world,” he said.

“It’s crazy to think Tayleb and I are both here, from Australian, repping the country.

“I’m a bit sad, I want to go again.

“It’s been a long season and I think everyone who has competed here regardless of the event deserves it.

“We were both pushing for a medal but, on the day, you have to execute it the best as possible, and the other boys did it great.”

Willis embraced the pressure in the final after winning both his first and second round encounters, clocking 13.54 seconds to seize his moment and prove that he can be a contender on the global stage as well.

“I’m definitely happy with that, obviously fifth in the world,” he said.

“I’m proud of Mitch getting the job done, now we move up to 106cm.”

With the current Commonwealth Games in Birmingham providing an added incentive, don’t be surprised to hear the names of 19-year-old Lightfoot and Willis selected for the “green and gold” when Victoria, Australia, rolls around in 2026.   

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