Athletics
8 February, 2024
Inkster Nationals Bound
Charlie Inkster will be competing in the heptathlon for the under-20s at the Athletics Australia National Championships to be held in Adelaide in April.
The 18-year-old achieved a national qualifier when she finished 3rd overall and 1st for Vic Country at the Athletics Victoria Combined Events at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park on January 6 and 7.
Inkster finished with a career-best points total of 3473 in the heptathlon which comprises of seven disciplines - high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put, 800m, 200m and 100m hurdles, completed over two full days of competition.
Inkster trains with Horsham coach Rick Price and competes for the Athletics Vic club Eureka in Ballarat.
She has competed in athletics from eight years of age and hasn't looked back.
Charlie's mum, Melanie said she is proud of her daughter.
"We are all rapt. A lot of work has gone into it. We are very proud," Melanie said.
"Her strongest events are the hurdles and 800m."
When asked why she chose the heptathlon, Melanie said she liked everything.
"Often when you progress you find out you are a sprinter or thrower," Melanie said.
"When she had to pick events, she liked everything and had trouble dropping them.
"She enjoys all the events and she is a kid that likes a challenge."
The national championships will be held from Tuesday April 11 to Friday April 19 at the South Australia Athletics Stadium.