Did you know that Camryn Newton-Smith from Greenbank is set to make history at the Paris Olympics as one of Australia’s first heptathlon representatives in 16 years?
Newton-Smith’s qualification marks a significant milestone for Australian athletics, breathing new life into the nation’s multi-event presence. Her journey to this point has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflecting the dedication required to compete at the highest level.
Early Beginnings
Newton-Smith’s athletics career began at the Jimboomba Little Athletics Centre, where her older siblings inspired her. Her brother Lindsay, a national-level decathlete, played a crucial role in sparking her interest in combined events.
As a teenager, Newton-Smith dominated the domestic heptathlon scene, claiming national titles across various age groups. Her talent earned her a spot on the World U20 team, competing in Tampere, Finland in 2018.
Overseas Development
Following her success at home, Newton-Smith pursued her athletic and academic goals at Arkansas State University in the United States. During her five-year stint, she faced numerous challenges, including the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a major Achilles injury in 2021.
Despite these setbacks, Newton-Smith’s determination shone through. She returned to form in her final year of college, finishing eighth in the heptathlon at the 2023 NCAA Championships with a personal best of 5887 points.
Upon returning to Australia, Newton-Smith’s performances have been nothing short of exceptional. She claimed her first senior National title in April 2024, scoring an impressive 6180 points – the highest score by an Australian in 16 years. This achievement was followed by victory at the Oceania Championships in Fiji, where she overcame challenging conditions to secure the title.
Olympic Implications
Newton-Smith’s qualification for the Paris Olympics marks a significant moment for Australian athletics. The last Australian to compete in the Olympic heptathlon was Kylie Wheeler in 2008, making Newton-Smith’s appearance a long-awaited return to the event on the global stage.
Her upcoming Olympic debut is a personal achievement and a source of pride for her hometown of Greenbank and the broader Australian athletics community. As she prepares to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage, Newton-Smith carries with her the hopes and support of a nation eager to see the return of Australian excellence in multi-event athletics.
Published 15-July-2024
