Former Coota lad, now living in Young, Cooper Dabin has done himself proud.
Local athlete Cooper Dabin, representing Hennessy Catholic College Young, achieved a remarkable victory by securing the Australian U15 Hammer Title in a dominant performance at the end of the calendar year of 2023 at the Australian All Schools Championships in Perth.
Dabin’s relentless dedication to his craft became evident in the months leading up to the championship, beginning with his qualification in September at the NSW All Schools Championships. Under the guidance of his coach, Ernie Shankelton, Dabin adhered to a rigorous training regimen, diligently honing his skills through almost daily sessions. Regular trips to Cowra and Canowindra allowed him to collaborate with his coach and further refine his technique.
Cooper’s journey to the Australian Championships was marked by a series of successes. Following his qualification at the NSW All Schools athletics in September, he consistently achieved personal bests in the lead-up competitions. Impressively, his throws consistently exceeded the 50-meter mark, showcasing his exceptional form and preparedness for the grand stage.
The Australian All School Championships presented an additional hurdle with adverse weather conditions, including an extremely strong headwind affecting the throwing events. Undeterred by these challenges, he remained focused and determined to deliver a standout performance.
Cooper set the standard with his first throw at the Championships, reaching a powerful 49.29 meters. This impressive mark secured him a convincing win, with second place throwing a 42.75. Dabin’s strength, technique, and composure under challenging circumstances underscored his dominance in the U15 Men’s Hammer Throw.
Reflecting on his achievements, Cooper expressed, “I am really happy with the results. I had put in a lot of hard work leading up to the championship, and Ernie had set me up really well. I knew if I trusted my training, I was always in a good position to win.”
With the triumph at the Australian All Schools Championships behind him, Cooper now shifts his focus to the upcoming Australian Junior Championships in Adelaide in 2024. Having already secured qualification for the event, Dabin is poised to continue his meteoric rise in the world of junior athletics. As he sets his sights on new challenges, the young hammer thrower from Young, NSW, is undoubtedly one to watch in the coming year.