Australian Team set to make their mark on the Palau Mini Games
WORDS – Bob Snow
The Australian Women’s Team has entered nine events and at this stage it looks as though they are favourites to win seven gold medals. All the members of the Australian Team were born in 2006. This trip to Palau is to get them all ready for the senior career.
Those who head the form guide at this stage are –
Evelyn John-Jimmy – 100m
Kayedel Smith – 200m
Zoe Peacock – High Jump
Raphaila Idris – Triple Jump
Charlize Goody – Discus and Javelin
Emily Thomas – Hammer
In the Men’s events the only form guide leader from Australia is –
Aden McDonald – Long Jump.
Some of the Australian men have been using U20 weight throwing implements and hurdling U20 height barriers in the 110m Hurdles. We wait with interest to see how they transition to the heavier implements and the higher hurdles. Palau is giving them a great introduction to competitions beyond their shores.
From the Athletics Australia website comes the following –
A standout at the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships, with wins in the U20 Long Jump and Triple Jump, 19-year-old Zoe Chester is primed to wear the green and gold – having fallen short of the World U20 Championship.
“I am so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to compete in my first international competition. I had a great result at the Perth Nationals, so I am super keen to get some more good jumps out. I’m looking forward to exploring Palau and experiencing the unique island culture as well as getting to meet new people and make new connections” Zoe said.
In the Triple Jump Zoe is ranked 2nd in the early form guide, just 8cm behind fellow Australian Raphaila Idris.
The small, but powerful, Australian Team has high expectations. We will soon see how they go in the five days of competition starting on Friday, 4th July. A standout at the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships
—ENDS—