These were some of the “gold” comments from 13 Merriwa athletes who took part in the Macquarie Hunter Athletics Carrangal Shield carnival at the weekend.

For most, this was their first time competing at the prestigious Hunter Stadium on a synthetic track against some of the region’s leading athletes, but that did not deter the youngsters who came home collectively with 14 medals and a club trophy to cap off a miraculous debut.

Tiny Tots Thomas Luke, Morgan Bates Mitchell and Maddie Maben were first on the track burning a hole in the rubber in the 70m followed by the vortex and shot put before finishing with games in the centre of the track. 

It was a steep learning curve for the tots, remembering to stay in the lanes, waiting for the gun to go off, entering the throws ring correctly but they all did a fine job coming home with sparkly medals and a few new friends along the way.

Georgia Maben was magnificent overcoming some initial first carnival jitters to power home to take silver in all her events as well as a bronze with effortless style and grace.

Jye Bates jumped brilliantly in long jump and delivered some huge throws that belied his pint-size frame. 

In the under-8s, Ben Patterson and William Luke went head-to-head with Patterson cruising home first in discus, equal second in the 70m, 200m and third in hurdles while Luke put in an almighty effort close behind him. 

Cody Bates, Braeden Halse and Darcy Taaffe stepped up in the under-10s, flying over hurdles, the 400m, 100m shot put and long jump. 

Taafe saved her best for her last race leaving nothing in the tank to take home bronze in the 400m with Bates and Halse just placing shy of the podium in the sprints and field events. 

Jorji Taaffe landed a medal in the under-12 shot put while Korey Halse took the under-12 competition in his stride, stepping up against many experienced athletes and learning what it takes to deliver a great performance is practice, patience and passion.

As one of the oldest members of the team, 11-year-old Jorji Taaffe said she was glad she had the opportunity to compete.

“I wish I had my younger sister’s legs (who is fast), but I still think I did well,” she said.

“Everyone on our team tried really hard and I felt proud to wear my Merriwa shirt.

“It makes me feel like I can do anything when I am part of a team.”

To top the carnival off, Merriwa was awarded the “march past” trophy for best presented club. 

Next on the calendar for “Team Merriwa” is the Zone Carnival in Kurri Kurri on December 10 and 11 at Kurri where more than a third of the club members will be pulling on the white and black T-shirt to run and throw their hearts out for Merriwa.