Sport
26 November, 2024
Sporting star ready to represent Queensland at nationals
Maleya Raitava will compete in the shot put at the nationals next week.
When Maleya Raitava stepped into the shot put circle at her first regional athletics meet two years ago, the then 10-year-old broke a record that had stood for 18 years.
Fast forward and Maleya has just qualified to compete at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane, selected in the Athletics North Queensland U14 girls team.
Young athletes from across the nation will converge at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) for four days of competition from 6-8 December.
“It’s very exciting for me and for my school,” said Maleya, who attends St Joseph’s Catholic School and trains with the Mount Isa and District Athletics Club.
“Competing at a state level is hard, but the competition is professional which pushes me and I’ve started to make some great friends when we see one another at these meets.
“Athletics is a sport that I enjoy because I often can do it alongside my family. My dad and sister do well too, with dad recently breaking some ANQ track records, and my sister does well in throwing events like me.”
This year Maleya has attended carnivals and championships in Cairns, Longreach, Townsville and Brisbane.
“My mum added it up and the trip next month will make it just over 17,000km,” she said.
A medal at the nationals is the dream, however Maleya is focused on achieving a personal best in her shot put event.
“I have been training hard at the oval most days and increased the gym sessions,” she said.
Maleya’s mum, Christine Mann, said her daughter living remotely in Mount Isa presented additional challenges.
“It has required considerable travel, that comes at a considerable cost,” she said, paying tribute to Ashley King of Secure Mine Solutions, who sponsored some travel.
“Time away from work for several longer weekends has been necessary to attend the qualifier events.”
Maleya, who is also a keen netballer and umpire, will next year move to Brisbane to attend boarding school at St Margaret’s.
The 12-year-old, who received a scholarship, said she hoped the move would allow her to play more sport and link up with coaches to help her advance her talents on the courts and fields.
“It will be great not to travel so far all of the time,” she said.