Moree Secondary College Year 9 student Lakia Noble is preparing to compete in javelin, discus and shot put at the NSWCHSSA Secondary Athletics Championship after winning all three events at regionals. Photo: Moree Online News.
Lakia Noble has earned a place at State in three throwing events after a dominant performance at the regional athletics championships.
The Moree Secondary College Year 9 student won javelin, discus and shot put, securing a place in all three events at the NSWCHSSA Secondary Athletics Championship at Sydney Olympic Park.
But the result almost never happened.
“I was gonna quit this year, but I decided to carry on and see how I go,” Lakia said.
It was a decision that has already paid off.
There was little bravado when Lakia spoke about what might happen next. Asked about his prospects at State, his answer was simple.
“I’m hoping. I really am hoping,” he said.
“I’m definitely going to train hard for it.”
Years behind three wins
The regional results did not come from a sudden discovery that Lakia could throw.
He said he has been competing in the events since he was about six, coming through Little Athletics and continuing to work on them as he grew older.
There is no dedicated coach directing his preparation. Lakia said much of his training is something he does himself, with his mum or nan taking him when they can.
Asked what he needed to improve before State, he came back to one thing: “consistent training”.
His grandmother, Kerry Cassells, has watched that progression over the years and proudly recalls Lakia previously reaching State level in school competition, finishing fifth in New South Wales in discus.
She also recalled him being selected for a Little Athletics elite program two years ago after performing strongly through the Little Athletics pathway.
For Lakia, however, athletics is only one of the sporting paths he is considering.
He also plays rugby league and, despite his success in the throwing circle, is not yet talking as though his future has already been decided.
“I enjoy both, but I’ll see how I go with this type of sport, like athletics,” he said.
“I also have rugby as well … I’ll just see how it goes.”
The next test
The NSWCHSSA Secondary Athletics Championship will be held at Sydney Athletic Centre, Sydney Olympic Park, from Wednesday, September 9 to Friday, September 11.
Lakia will represent the North West Schools Sports Association across javelin, shot put and discus.
He and his family plan to travel to Sydney by train, with his mum, nan and sister accompanying him.
For Lakia, State will be another chance to see where years of throwing, and the decision not to quit this year, have taken him.
This time he arrives with three regional wins behind him.
And for a Year 9 student who was wondering only this year whether it was time to stop, State offers a fairly compelling reason to keep throwing.
