Kimberley runners Colin Skeen, Reshinta Bradshaw on a high after Stawell Gift 100m sprint foray

Two budding athletes from the Kimberley travelled nearly 4000km over the Easter weekend to compete in a famous footrace, where one of the talented youngsters claimed first place. Colin Skeen and Reshinta Bradshaw flew to Victoria to compete in the renowned Stawell Gift, which dates back to 1878. Skeen and Bradshaw endured a gruelling weekend, which ended in success after Skeen won the under-18s 100m final. The win came after Skeen’s sixth and final race of the weekend, while Bradshaw competed in four races. The athletes were given this chance after winning the Kimberley Gift, an event organised as part of the Spirit of Sprinting Indigenous running program. The program encourages young Indigenous people to get involved in running, through providing training, opportunity and experience. Spirit of Sprinting coach Brad Kitto stumbled upon the initiative while travelling through Broome and now volunteers his time to train young athletes. Mr Kitto said the program was designed to support young Indigenous athletes to realise their potential. “It’s not about breeding the next Olympian, it’s about creating the opportunity for them to learn new skills and gain the exposure they otherwise might not get,” he said. Mr Kitto said he was “emotional” seeing the youngsters perform at Stawell. “They trained all through the wet season in tough conditions, which presented different challenges for both of them,” he said. In response to Mr Skeen’s win, Mr Kitto said “it probably hasn’t soaked in yet, but he stole the show”. Winners of the Kimberley Gift earn two opportunities to race in the Victorian Athletic League, with both trips fully funded, including flights and accommodation. Kimberley Gift organiser Tim Mason said the event was an opportunity to showcase and “tap in to local talent.” “It creates the opportunity to expand networks and participate in other programs and events,” he said. Mr Mason said the athletes should be very proud. “Colin and Reshinta carried themselves extremely well and they did the Kimberley region proud,” he said. The young athletes were due to attend the Stawell Gift last year, but the event was cancelled because of COVID-19. The 2021 Kimberley Gift is set to go ahead later this year.