Following a “Talent 4 Toko” program in July, members of the Australian Paralympic Committee suggested young swimming sensation Madelaine Goodridge give athletics a go.
On September 9, Madelaine represented St Joseph's Laurieton as part of the Lismore Diocese team at the Polding Athletics Championships held at the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale.
Madelaine competed in the AWD (Athletes with Disability) field events in girls 11-13 years shot put, discus and long jump. She secured first place in all three events.
In October, Madelaine represented the Polding Team at the PSSA Athletic Championship's held at the Sydney Athletics Centre at Homebush.
She competed in long jump and secured third place. She also came fourth overall in the shotput even though, due to family travel commitments on the day of competition, she was unable to complete her final three throws. This also meant she was unable to compete in her discus event the following day.
As a result, Madelaine was selected to represent the NSW Primary School Sports Australia (PSSA) Track and Field Team for 2016 at the School Sport Australia 12/U Championships which will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre at Homebush from November 25- 29th November.
Madelaine will compete in the 12 & under Para athlete long jump event as a T36 & F36 Para Athlete Classification. Madelaine was born with left sided cerebral palsy with left spastic/dystonic hemiplegia.
“Madelaine is determined, inspirational and through the additional support of a Variety Scholarship that she was awarded this year for swimming, Madelaine has been able to improve her physical abilities in swimming and now also athletics,” said proud mum Kate Goodridge.
The year 6 student at St Joseph’s Primary School Laurieton already has swags of medals gained from swimming over the years. She is a regular on the blocks at the Laurieton swimming pool on Monday nights for swimming club.
