Little Champions, Big Hearts: FAST Kids Shine at ACT 12 & Under Championships

At this year’s ACT 12 & Under Track & Field Championships, FAST Running’s young athletes stood tall — not just on the podium, but in the spirit they brought to competition.
From blistering sprints to graceful jumps and gritty throws, our next generation proved that success is built on support, teamwork, and joy.

Across Canberra schools, FAST Kids delivered personal bests and a wave of medals.
Freya Marshall’s silver in the 200 m and Tindra Helgstedt’s dominant Discus gold headlined the meet, while Anastasia Peters (4 medals including Long Jump gold) and George Loader (Gold 200 m, Silver 100 m) highlighted the breadth of talent rising through the program.

Behind each result is a community of coaches who’ve invested deeply in technical foundations, confidence, and a love for competition. Our coaching team’s impact is clear — FAST members make up one of the largest groups in this year’s ACT team for Nationals, showcasing both the depth and the culture that define our squad.

“A learning culture is a supportive one. A high-performance culture is a safe one. A happy, fun cohort breeds success — and that’s exactly what we’re seeing right now,”
— Steve Dodt, Head Performance Coach, FAST Running.

With Nationals in November, these young athletes carry not just medals, but momentum — and the confidence that comes from knowing they belong among Australia’s best.

FAST Running Athletes – ACT Championships Highlights 2025

Athlete	Age	Events	Result	Notes

Freya Marshall

12 yrs

100 m (13.91 s), 200 m (28.74 s), Long Jump (4.12 m), High Jump (1.25 m)

🥈 2nd in 200 m

Versatile sprinter–jumper from Amaroo School (Snr); qualified for Nationals in both sprint events.

Tindra Helgstedt

12 yrs

800 m (2:55.60), Long Jump (4.09 m), Discus Throw (24.56 m) 🥇

1st in Discus Throw

Outstanding multi-event talent from Taylor Primary; continues FAST Kids success story.

Isabelle Jeffs

12 yrs

100 m (13.98 s), 200 m (28.79 s) 🥉

3rd in 200 m

St John the Apostle – strong progression in both sprints.

Anastasia Peters

11 yrs

100 m (14.00 s) 🥈, 200 m (30.45 s), 800 m (2:39.30 🥈), Long Jump (4.26 m 🥇)

Multi-medallist

One of FAST’s most consistent performers across sprint and middle distance.

Bethany Wilson

10 yrs

100 m (15.26 s), Long Jump (3.39 m)

Top finalist

Emerging Emmaus Christian athlete showing excellent speed development.

Matilda Hoolihan

10 yrs

High Jump (1.15 m 🥈), Long Jump (3.42 m)

Silver

Proved exceptional under pressure in technical events.

Milla Golack

10 yrs

100 m (15.29 s), 200 m (32.06 s 🥈), Long Jump (3.74 m 🥈)

Double silver

Combines speed and flight mechanics beautifully – great FAST Females prospect.

Thivain Hasvin Ariyadasa

11 yrs

100 m (14.51 s), 200 m (30.72 s)

Top 10

Continuing momentum in sprints; strong relay potential.

Estrid Helgstedt

10 yrs

High Jump (1.10 m 🥉), Long Jump (3.46 m = 6th)

Medallist

Younger sister to Tindra; technically polished in jump events.

Lucinda Christian

10 yrs

200 m (32.88 s), 800 m (3:07.0 h), Long Jump (3.36 m), Shot Put (5.33 m)

Top 8 across 4 events

Impressive multi-event showing for Holy Spirit student.

George Loader

10 yrs

100 m (14.13 s 🥈), 200 m (28.97 s 🥇)

Gold & Silver

Marist speedster – now ranked top 3 nationally for his age in the 200m.

Oliver Cooper

10 yrs

100 m (15.12 s)

Finalist

First Championship appearance; building foundation for Nationals relay.

Sam Ainsworth

11 yrs

200 m (29.84 s), 400 m (63 s est.)

Top finalist

Strong debut season under FAST Track training group.

Phoenix Colins

10 yrs

100 m (14.13 s 🥈), 200 m (29.84 s 🥈)

Two silvers

Among the ACT’s brightest young sprinters.

Nelum Ganesalingham

10 yrs

100 m (15.10 s 🥉), 200 m (31.47 s 🥈), Discus (16.32 m 🥉)

Multi-event medallist

Dominant all-rounder for Canberra Grammar – power and speed combo.