Brody with all his medals. Photo: Kristy Linden
Thirteen-year-old Esperance athlete Brody Oliver achieved a clean sweep in last weekend’s WA Country Athletics Championships at Bunbury.
Brody’s mother Kristy Linden said he competed in long jump, triple jump, the 100m and 200m sprint and took home the gold medal in each.
Breaking two personal records over the weekend, Ms Linden said Brody’s results were a testament to his hard work here in Esperance.
“It’s been a bit of a road because we don’t have little athletics down here,” she said.
“We’ve had to sign up with Albany.”
Ms Linden said Brody trained for his competitions on the beach or on the hockey field, and until last November, hadn’t received any running training.
“He’s practising with no shoes on grass and then he’s stepping onto a huge stadium with synthetic flooring or clay wearing spikes,” she said.
“It’s a huge leap for him having to learn how to do everything.”
“It comes down to natural talent — if you’ve got the natural talent how much do you want to change?”
The challenge of training in a remote location has not stopped Brody from competing in athletics all over Australia.
Ms Linden said over December and January, they had been to Perth, Brisbane and Bunbury for competitions.
“I’m so proud of him,” she said.
“He works so hard and I’m willing to travel with him.”
Ms Linden said Brody was a humble champ and was always one to participate in track side sportsmanship.
“It’s actually really great to see the high fives and even hugs between the boys,” she said.
“They are really excited for each other. They really want each other to do well.”
After his success at Bunbury, Brody is looking to his next national competitions in March and April in Perth.
“Not too much travel this time,” Ms Linden said with a laugh.
