Sport
19 January, 2026
Hammer time!
YOUNG athlete Samuel Raciti ended 2025 on a high note after he claimed a podium finish at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Melbourne.
The Atherton local now ranks among the top junior athletes in the country, with his 50.88m hammer throw in the Under 17 competition earning him a third-place finish at the national event in December. Raciti also competed in discus and finished in 10th place.
This achievement comes off the back of a hammer throw win at the Queensland School State Championships and multiple broken records at his local athletics club earlier last year.
“Although I have been training hard, the third placing was a surprise,” the 16-year-old said.
“I was really excited to achieve a competition personal best. I started the season throwing 38m and finished throwing over 50m.”
He said the championships were a highly competitive environment.
“It is a highly competitive environment, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit nervous,” he said.
“I’m mates with a lot of the competitors, so while I did have to focus on my throwing, it was also an opportunity to catch up with friends from around the country.
“I’m grateful for the support that I received from family, friends, my coach Dan Edwards, and Mulgrave Athletics Club.”
The youngster has his eyes on some big competitions this year.
“My goals this year are to compete at the Australian Athletics Championships (Brisbane) in April, hopefully represent Australia or Regional Australia at the Oceania Athletics Championships (Darwin) in May, compete at the Queensland School State Athletics Championships, and finish the year with the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships (Perth),” he said.
Raciti’s parents, Gerald and Jodie, were thrilled with their son’s achievements.
“As Sam’s parents we are very proud of his achievements. We were excited that he achieved a personal best, and the third placing was a wonderful surprise,” they said.
