Trent Alley arrived at Tamworth as an 11-year-old aiming for a podium finish at the national Little Athletics titles back in February.
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The next time he takes his marks, he will do so as an Australian champion after blitzing the field in the 80-metre hurdles.
Soon after, the coronavirus pandemic put an end to all athletics competitions for the season.
But not only did Alley achieve an Australian record, he achieved a personal best in the process with his time of 12.96 seconds nearly half a second quicker than his previous best effort.
It was a trip to remember to the Country Music Capital.
"I thought it was a very good time since because I previously did it in 13.30 seconds so it was a big improvement," he said.
"I warmed up really well, but I didn't expect to set an Australian record.
"I've been training hard, eating good and getting up early. I only have one day off during the week."
The St Columba Anglican School student then backed up his efforts in Tamworth with another first place at the state cross country in Wollongong last weekend.
He timed his run to perfection in the three-kilometre under-12 boys event, overhauling the leader in a frantic sprint finish.
"I was sitting behind the leader at the time and when we came into the last 100 metres I sprinted and won the race," he said.
"It was over three kilometres so I timed it perfectly."
In September last year, the talented youngster returned from the national cross country titles with two gold medals and a bronze.
He has previously won the Kids Fun Run at the Port Macquarie Running Festival.
So don't back against him achieving even more success when the Little Athletics season starts in a few weeks time.
He's already set his eyes on the next target.
"Maybe I can break the 800-metre state record and I want to break the 800m Australian record. That's achievable I think," he said.
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