By JARROD POTTER
SUMMERTIME success greeted Pakenham runner Bailley Morrell as he added two more state championships to his ever-growing trophy collection.
Morrell, 11, was the toast of the under-11 boys’ competition when he won the 800 metre and 1500 metre middle-distance double at the Little Athletics State Track and Field Championships last weekend.
Heading to Albert Park to run around on the famous blue-track, Morrell had to dig deep to claim the 1500 metre title – fighting from middle of the pack to overtake the leader on the final lap.
“So how I made it to states was I won both of my events in the 800 and 1500 and they were pretty good times,” Morrell said.
“Then I went to states and got two golds and almost got a Victorian best time for my 1500.
“On the last lap (1500m) I sprinted as hard I could and I overtook Sam Flockhart – it felt really good to win.
“Felt awesome after I finished it – in my 1500, I almost got a Victorian best and was only six seconds over it.”
He was in superb form heading into the state championships – having knocked off a 41-year-old record in the boys under-11 1500 metres at the regionals.
“It was pretty good – a 40 year record – I got under five minutes which was really good,” Morrell said.
His 800 metres was a lot easier for the Casey Little Athletics Centre dynamo, as he scorched the field to take the victory in 2.22 minutes.
With track season over for another year, Morrell will trade his running spikes for footy boots as he gets a kick with Berwick Junior Football Club.
He’ll also keep up his running over winter, with Morrell also a keen cross-country runner who recently represented Victoria.
