Rising star takes big strides towards sporting goals

Thirteen-year-old Jacob Msando already has a reputation in the athletics world, taking out the May Busselton Freight Services Rising Sports Star award.

The MacKillop Catholic College student was nominated by his teacher and despite having competed in the sport for only five years, has already mastered a number of disciplines within the sport.

Jacob told the Times his favourite events were javelin, long jump and hurdles, the latter also happens to be his speciality.

He said his involvement in athletics started with a little push from his stepfather, who had competed in athletics in his younger days.

Jacob holds five Bunbury Little Athletics Club records for the javelin, a country record for Albany and is also an Australian junior champion.

“I like the competition of the sport … and getting my personal best results and beating my best throws,” he said.

Jacob travels to Bunbury three times a week to train and said it could sometimes be hard balancing school work with his sporting commitments.

But Jacob also shares his love for athletics with another passion — football.

He plays for the Busselton Wanderers and has dreams of one day of playing for the West Coast Eagles in the AFL.

He said taking part in both sports complemented each other, especially in terms of improving his fitness.

Proud mum Tracy Farrar thanked Jacob’s teacher Paul Culnane for nominating him.

“It’s great that people are recognising our kids’ achievements in sport,” she said.

The Rising Sports Star Awards are proudly supported by the Times.

For a nomination form, email editor@bdtimes.com.au or visit the Times’ office at 59 Queen Street, Busselton.