Breaking a record that has stood for 28 years is an amazing achievement. When the record
had been held by your coach, it’s a pretty awesome feeling for both.
That’s what happened in December at the Corio Little Athletics Centre, when Under 15
athlete Xander Mitchell triple jumped 12.26m to break his coach’s 1997 record of 12.23m.
Xander has been competing at Corio since 2019 and coach Justin Pitcher, who was also a
young athlete at the Corio Centre, has been coaching Xander in triple jump and long jump
for three seasons.
Xander also trains and competes in discus and javelin events with great results. When he
broke Justin’s record, Xander said it felt “relieving and great to see what has come after
years of training.”
Justin could see Xander’s potential and with Xander now consistently medalling at State
level in Little Athletics Vic, Athletics Vic (seniors) and School Sport Vic competitions, Justin
said he is excited to see what lies ahead.
Xander went on to jump 12.40m at the Athletics Vic State Championships in February.
Unfortunately he was injured during the Little Athletics Vic State Championships in March
and was unable to jump, but won bronze in javelin.
Xander also set a new javelin Corio Centre record, throwing 46.26m and breaking the 2020
record of 45.91m. In April he will compete in the Australian Athletics Junior Championships
in Brisbane in triple jump and javelin. This will be his fourth time competing at national level.
Xander was first attracted to athletics because his parents encouraged him and his older
brother to go to a Come & Try Day. Coach Justin recommends Little Athletics as a great first
sport for young children. Many skills learned will also transfer to other sports.
To find out about Little Athletics go to [email protected]. The Corio Centre is also active on
Facebook and Instagram.