Goulburn Valley’s young track and field stars have had a glimpse into the life of an elite athlete after Paralympic silver medallist Jaryd Clifford gave a talk at the Shepparton and Nagambie Little Athletics centres at the weekend.
Clifford was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration at a young age, meaning his central vision is blurred and requires guidance in some races.
But this hasn’t stopped the young runner from becoming one of Australia’s best athletes, as he has dominated 1500m events in para and able-bodied competitions.
Shepparton Little Athletics president Aileen Zanelli said Clifford was the perfect role model for young athletes in the Goulburn Valley.
Zanelli believes that his mix of talent and a respectful nature make him an excellent athlete for the children to look up to.
“Jaryd was just delightful and he was so obliging,” she said.
“Everybody was silent; they were really impressed with him. He was a great ambassador for Coles’ Little Athletics, for Victoria and for us.
“He spoke about how he got into it (athletics). His experience at world championships and the Paralympics.
“He also went through his training methods, he was asked about how he plans his race. He explained how he takes off and what he does to stay focused during the middle part of the race.”
Image 1 of 4
Future Olympians?: Ivy Saunders and Maggie Saunders with Jaryd Clifford and his Paralympic silver medal. Photo by ContributedImage 2 of 4
Sign here: Paralympian Jarryd Clifford signs autographs for young fans. Photo by ContributedImage 3 of 4
Young stars: Jaryd Clifford with Nagambie Little Athletics’ weekly award winners. Photo by ContributedImage 4 of 4
Master and apprentice: Heidi Ryan with Jarryd Clifford. Photo by ContributedThe talented runner took the children for warm-ups before the day’s events and watched on with interest as they participated in various track and field activities.
With the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon for aspiring athletes everywhere, Zanelli said an elite sportsperson like Clifford coming out to speak with the children about what it takes to be an athlete is invaluable.
“He was a Little Athlete himself at Diamond Valley Centre in Melbourne. So how he evolved from that up to top-level competition and they (the children) were all really interested in that because most kids there are aspiring to go further,” she said.
“Listening to his experiences, what you have to go through to get there and be a dedicated athlete.
“He passed his silver medal around and different kids had their photo taken with the Paralympic medal around their neck and photos with him.”
Next up for the Shepparton and Nagambie athletes are the State Track and Field Championships on March 10 and 11.