Spiralling success: Anakin Pastuszka competing in a Little Athletics discus event. Photo: Bechy Pastuszka
Benalla has a knack for producing athletes who can perform at the highest levels.
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From X Games legends to scooter tricksters to V8 speedsters, the Rose City is home to sports stars known across the world.
And there could be another in the making.
Anakin Pastuszka has always loved his sport.
The Benalla boy had a stellar junior squash career, claiming the most improved player at the Country Junior Squash Tournament in Wodonga last year.
Bronze: Anakin Pastuszka from Benalla placed third at the Victorian School Sport state titles. Photo: Bechy Pastuszka
But squash is not the sport where Anakin’s true talent lies.
Ever since he picked up a shot put around four years ago, the 15-year-old has been making waves in Victorian athletics.
The Benalla Little Athletics Club has had to look into getting longer tape measures as Anakin has broken age-group records in the javelin, discus and shot put events.
No record in the region is safe, as the Benalla local broke a 33-year-old shot-put record at the recent Albury Open Day.
On the biggest stage in the state is where Anakin has shone the brightest.
He placed third in the discus and shot put events at the Victorian School Sport state titles in October.
Pastuszka was fired up by his efforts at the state titles, but the Benalla boy doesn’t like to oversell himself.
“I was just pumped. It all just happened as I wanted it to,” Anakin said.
“It was about four years ago that I started doing athletics.
“For training, I do a bit of running, just a bit of stretches and whatever, and a couple of practice throws here and there.”
His efforts at the state competition came with an added bonus.
Sports Travel Australia invited Anakin to its Track and Field tour to Vancouver, Canada, next June.
The 19-day tour will see athletes from across Australia compete and train together while also seeing the sights that Canada has to offer.
The Benalla boy said it was a dream come true to have the opportunity to travel because of sport.
“I’m pretty pumped for that (the Canada trip),” he said.
“When my Mum told me I had qualified, I didn’t believe her.
“We go over there, and you do a few different activities during the day and compete on weekends.
“Well, my goal when I first started was to make it to an international competition, and that’s what Canada is. So, I’m pretty keen to go.
“It’s just always (been a dream). Going international for something I love (like) sport.”
Top job: Anakin on the podium at a Little Athletics meet. Photo: Bechy Pastuszka
One thing that stands in the way of Anakin and his dream trip is the financial burden of the tour.
The base cost of the trip is $9995, which doesn’t include meals, insurance or Australian athletic registration.
Anakin’s family is looking for business sponsorship to help the young athlete get to Canada and is hoping to create a T-shirt designed with all the logos of companies that have helped Anakin in his journey.
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