A Dubbo junior will be the first Athletics competitor in track and field events to captain both the western region and the state of NSW in upcoming events after impressing during a recent trip to the School Sport Championships in Darwin.
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Xanthie Chatfield, who trains under her father Jason Chatfield, placed 4th in shotput and 5th in the discus event during the national championships and was overwhelmed when she was given the honour of being named the state captain.
The following day, that surprise was doubled when representatives from the Western Primary School Sport Association contacted the Chatfields about having Xanthie captain the Western zone's team representing the region during the state championships in November.
"It's definitely a big achievement," Jason Chatfield said.
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"It comes as a bit of a surprise when she was called up there for the announcement. The people in charge told us it was a very tough decision to make, but we were very happy."
"It was a big shock, being her parents, we're very proud, it was very emotional and she was a bit emotional as well."
Chatfield says the two captaincies have served as a powerful motivation boost for Xanthie, who's leapt head-first back into her training after returning from the national championships.
"It's set her a little bit back on track with her athletics, she's just come back from nationals and she's a different kid, to get the call from the Western office the day after to say that she's been selected as the captain for that as well is incredible," Chatfield said.
"The two organisations don't even talk to each other, so that came as a surprise as well."
Chatfield says the honour has been good for both Xanthie and her parents, with the youngster now 'bouncing' around the house since being told, and her parents seeing it as a good affirmation.
"It's given her a little bit of reinforcement and shown her what she can achieve in life, I think."
"Being a parent, you like to think you're raising your kids right, so I guess some things haven't gone unnoticed what she's doing on and off the track, she's a good kid, she's very respectful to her peers and her elders, and as her dad that's all you can ask."
Chatfield says that while school and the region are both important motivators for Xanthie when it comes to sporting accomplishments, her heritage is also very important to her.
"School, state, all that stuff's really important to her, but she's got two indigenous grandparents and she wants to represent for them as well, so that's giving her some drive."
Xanthie's next representative duties will be at the NSW Championships in Sydney.
