Foster brings home gold

Foster competed in the under 15 400 metres and blew away the competition in a time of 52.09 seconds.

For his first time at a national competition, Foster said he had mixed emotions taking the track.

“It was very exciting but I was nervous,” he said.

“I’ve never been to that level or had that sort of build-up for competition.

“It was really just a shock for it all to happen.”

Foster said winning was a complete surprise to him, as he was in the middle and could not see the rest of the field.

“I didn’t know I could do this,” he said.

Foster said his competitors were extremely tall and it was daunting just standing next to them.

“It was the heats where I sort of showed them what I could do,” he said.

“But I ran a bit too fast; you’re supposed to build up in the heat.

“The speed was from the first go, though.”

Foster said being able to review the footage from the day would help him improve his technique.

“It was such a great experience and I can now see how others get prepared, and got ready to race,” he said.

“I can also compare techniques and see how they start and finish.”

Foster expressed his gratitude to Fast Track Athletics, his coach, Murray Watkins, his family and his teachers at Canterbury College.

Foster is now preparing for next season and hopes to take the track at nationals again.