DALYSTON schoolgirl Vera surprised even herself bringing home gold with a seven-point-four metre hop, skip and jump at the Gippsland Region Primary School athletics championships in Cranbourne.

A relative newcomer to athletics Vera has now qualifies for the State Championships in Melbourne next week. 

“Vera has always been a good runner,” said Vera’s proud mother Mara.

Powlett River Primary School only very recently entered students in athletics and Vera was an immediate stand-out.

Jess Moad, District Coordinator for Schools Sports Victoria in Gippsland is credited with making Vera’s dream possible.

Powlett River initially held their own modest sports carnival to give students the opportunity for selection at district level.

All events took place on Powlett River Primary School’s humble oval. The school does not have any track and field facilities. 

Vera, who didn’t know what the triple jump was until this year became the first girl from Powlett River to represent the school in district athletics.

Competing against primary school students from the Bass Coast district, Vera won the triple jump qualifying her for the Primary School Divisional Championships where she was also placed first. 

Catapulted into the regional finals Vera was placed first again and currently holds the title of Gippsland Regional Champion for Under 11 girls.

The State Championships will be held in Melbourne on November 6 and Vera can’t wait.

“She has a very good chance at becoming the Victorian State Champion,” said Mara.

“If it wasn’t for Jess Moad and Schools Sports Victoria Vera wouldn’t have had this opportunity.”

The State Track and Field Primary Boys/Mixed Girls State Championships will be held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park on November 6.

For more information on school athletics go to ssv.vic.edu.au or follow School Sport Victoria on Facebook or Instagram.