From X Games legends to motocross pros to V8 speedsters, the Rose City is home to sports stars known around the world.
There could be another in the making.
Anakin Pastuszka has always loved his sport.
The Benalla lad has had an impressive junior squash career, being named player of the year at the Country Junior Squash Championships in Wodonga last year.
BRONZE: Benalla’s Anakin Pastuszka finished third at the Victorian School Sports State titles. Photo: Pieci Pastuszka
But squash is not the sport where Anakin’s true talent lies.
Since he picked up the ball about four years ago, the 15-year-old has been making waves in Victorian athletics.
The Benalla Little Athletics Club had to consider getting a longer measuring tape as Anakin broke age group records in the javelin, discus and shot put events.
No record is safe in the area, with a local Benalla player breaking a 33-year-old record at the recent Albury Open Day.
On the biggest stage in the state is where Anakin shined.
He placed third in the discus and shot put events at the Victorian School Athletic State Titles in October.
Pastuszka was excited about his efforts to capture state titles, but the Benalla boy doesn’t like to over-promote himself.
“I just pumped. Everything happened the way I wanted it to,” Anakin said.
“I started playing athletics about four years ago.
“For training, I do a bit of running, a bit of stretching etc, as well as a few practice throws here and there.”
His efforts in the state competition came with an added bonus.
Sports Travel Australia has invited Anakin on its track and field tour to Vancouver, Canada, next June.
The 19-day tour will see athletes from all over Australia competing and training together while also seeing the sights Canada has to offer.
The Benalla boy said that having the opportunity to travel because of sports was a dream come true.
“I’m very excited about this (Canada trip),” he said.
“When my mom told me I qualified, I didn’t believe her.
“We go out there, you do some different activities during the day and you compete on the weekends.
“Well, my goal when I first started was to get to an international competition, and that’s what Canada is like. So, I’m very keen to go.
“It’s always ‘it’s been a dream.’” To become an international for something I love (like) sport.
Top Job: Anakin on the podium at the Little Athletics meet. Photo: Pieci Pastuszka
The only thing standing in the way of Anakin and his dream trip is the financial burden of touring.
The base cost of the trip is $9,995, which does not include meals, insurance or Australian Sports registration.
Anakin’s family is looking for corporate sponsorship to help the young athlete reach Canada and hopes to create a t-shirt designed with all the logos of the companies that helped Anakin on his journey.
Members of the public can donate to Anakin’s journey through his GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/anakin-has-qualified-for-canada-for-throwing
