Connor Wilson with gold on the podium with the 15 years boys shot put podium finishers at the 2024 NSWCHSSA Secondary Athletics Championships.
Connor ‘CJ’ Wilson has claimed another record in his sport of shot put.
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Competing at the NSW Combined High School championships held at Sydney Olympic Park last week, he produced a record-breaking final throw of 18.68m in the 15 years boys shot put (4kg).
He was one of a number of Deni High School students competing at the event.
CJ’s mother Kirsty Wilson said CJ beat a 21 year-old state record with his first qualifying throw, before being spurred on for the staggering final attempt.
“He broke the record with his first throw and then re-broke his own record.
“18.03m was his first throw, which got him in the top eight.
“It meant he’d got enough for three more throws, and on his final throw, with the crowd cheering, he got his best distance.”
The previous state record was 17.91m, which was set in 2003.
With his final throw, CJ also broke the national under-15 boys record of 18.17m, set by Queenslander Latham Takau at the all-schools meet in 2009.
It was a successful three-day championships for the Deni High and Riverina representative.
Unlike the Australian Athletics Championships in April earlier this year, CJ got a chance to compete in multiple field events.
He finished 13th overall for the 15 years boys javelin with a distance of 33.7m on the Wednesday, and second in 15 years boys discus with a 47.04m.
“He medalled and got a silver medal in the discus. It’s not very often that he gets one outright,” Kirsty said.
“Javelin is more of a fun event for him.
“Thursday was the discus and then Friday was the shot put, first thing in the morning.
“The whole stadium was packed and cheering for each throw, it was amazing.”
In the stadium cheering were Kirsty, dad Jed, and CJ’s sister Zaria.
“He’s a man of very few words which I love about him, and so he’s focused on the next one.
“His coach (Emma Berg) has a pretty big list in front of them but he’s excited about what’s to come.
“His support network was there and while his coach couldn’t make it, we had her on FaceTime. She is an amazing coach and has done a great job with CJ.
CJ trains at the South Bendigo Athletic Club under coach Emma Berg. She is Australia’s number one competitor in women’s shot put, and a current and four-time national champion.
CJ now goes on to compete at the NSW All Schools Championships from September 28 to October 2.
“Hopefully he’ll perform there and get selected for the New South Wales team, and then head to Queensland in December later this year.”
Other notable Deniliquin High School results from last week’s carnival are as follows:
Emma Wettenhall - 13 years girls high jump 1.45m (5th); 100m, 14.44 (16th).
Remi Baulch - 16 years girls 800m 2:31.81 (6th); all ages girls steeplechase 2000m, 9:01.39 (7th).
Willow Lake - 16 years girls 200m 27.1 (10th); 100m final 13.55 (10th).
Darby Watson - 17 years and above boys 800m 2:19.80 (16th).
Connor Wilson won gold in the 15 years boys shot put at the 2024 NSWCHSSA Secondary Athletics Championships.
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