Five young Alberni Valley track and field athletes were presented to city council last week in recognition of their accomplishments as some of the best track and field athletes in the province.
Tynan Smith, 11, participated for the first time at the BC Junior Development Championships in Kamloops. He earned a bronze in discus and then blew away his competition in javelin, bringing home the gold medal.
Heather Cruikshank achieved provincial standard last season and all-time top 10 standing for racewalk, bringing home gold.
Thompson Weegar achieved gold medals in 100-metre, 200m, 400m, and discus as well as a bronze medal in shot put at the BC Junior Developments.
Weegar placed first overall in the province for each of these events. He also achieved provincial standards and was additionally awarded a provincial plaque for his results in both 100m and discus.
Arlene Oldale made the all time top 10 for the 300m and achieved provincial standard for both 300m and 100m.
Graham Villette won both a bronze medal in discus and a silver in the hammer throw at the BC Summer Games.
As well as being a phenomenal thrower, Graham continues to demonstrate leadership with the younger athletes in the Port Alberni Track and Field club. He will be part of a youth development program this year where he will take his experience as a provincial level competitor and work with the club as both official junior coach while continuing to compete.
Mayor Ken McRae presented each athlete with a special pin from the city and all the councillors were supportive with their encouragement and congratulations.
The Port Alberni Track and Field club is proud of all its athletes and looks forward to watching more talent continue to put the name of Port Alberni on list of top athletes in the province.