Ms A. Papazoglou, Sports Coordinator, with competitors from the 100m Open Final race (Fastest Girl).
The 2026 Athletics Carnival was held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Tuesday, 31st March.
The 2026 Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre truly had it all - perfect weather, the best student attendance in five years, and an incredible lineup of achievements. Records were broken, school spirit was on full display, and students showcased outstanding sporting talent.
Clara F, Year 11 Caritas, was the standout performer of the day, breaking three records and being named the fastest girl in the school after winning the 100m Open Final. Congratulations to all students selected for this race, and to second-place finisher Bailey S., Year 12 Ryan, and third-place finisher Claire F., Year 8 Caritas.
Caritas House were the winners of the 4 person Open Relay.
Fastest girls in the school - 1st Clara F., 2nd Bailey S. and 3rd Claire F.
After her victory, Clara was asked how she felt and how she had prepared. "It does feel pretty good to be breaking records, that's what I love to do," she said. "In terms of my preparation I do like having a good mindset, I like doing well in everything that I do…I like surrounding myself with the right people at my school, my coach, my parents, my family, and to just have a good environment."
Several records fell on the day:
Mia T., Year 7 Dobson, broke the 12 Years Shot Put record, improving the mark from 11.45m to 10.95m.
Esperanza T., Year 7 Veritas, broke the 13 Years 800m record, clocking 2:40.59 to better the previous record of 2:43.40.
Clara F., Year 11 Caritas, broke the 16 Years 100m record twice in one day - first lowering it from 13.04 seconds to 12.32 seconds in the heats, then breaking it again in the final with a stunning 12.16 seconds.
Clara also broke the 16 Years 200m record, running 25.27 seconds to surpass the previous record of 26.88 seconds.
The final event of the day was the four-person Open 100m Relay, which produced a thrilling finish - the staff team came agonisingly close to taking the win. In the end, however, Caritas proved too strong. The final standings were: 1st Caritas, 2nd Staff, 3rd Veritas, 4th Coolock, 5th Ryan, 6th Clare, 7th Dobson and and 8th Mercedes.
School Principal Ms Mary Refalo addressed students at the conclusion of the carnival, reflecting on a memorable day. "The weather has been great to us and you have been fantastic participants. I really congratulate you for that." Ms Refalo also encouraged students to thank the staff who make events like the Athletics Carnival possible, particularly Sports Coordinator Ms Anna Papazoglou, who led the organisation of the day.
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Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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