Throwing For Distance

By Kelly Sharp

      Javelin thrower Kyle O'Meara of the PG Track & Field Club

Kyle O’Meara has turned in his football equipment and speed skates for the javelin. It is that time of the year when the 16 year-old Prince George athlete is out throwing for the Prince George Track and Field Club. His introduction to the field discipline came six years ago.” I watched the javelin competition and figured this would be fun and I have loved it ever since trying it,” said O’Meara, a Grade 11 student at College Heights Secondary.

Last year, he finished in the middle of the pack of the 24 athlete javelin competition at the BC High School Track and Field Championship. The quick learner came within a placing of qualifying for the BC javelin team for the Canadian Legion Track and Field Championships. Kyle set a personal best of 50m-27cm at the Juvenile provincials.

“My goal is to throw 60m by the end of this season,” said O’Meara who noted last year’s BC high school gold medal javelin throwing distance was 60m by Grade 11 student Kyle Nielsen of Coquitlam.

The linebacker for his school football team and a short track speed skater for the Prince George Blizzard is coached by Richard Collier of the Kajacks Track and Field Club of Richmond who has been throws coach for 15 years.

Tom Masich, head coach of the Prince George Track and Field Club has watched some outstanding javelin throwers represent the PGTFC. He sees that same desire in O’Meara who is a work in progress when it comes to technique.

“His strength and technique has not caught up with his power,” said Masich.

Kyle O’Meara has a busy season of practice and competition ahead to continue to improve his throws. His long range goal is to earn a collegiate scholarship.

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