Unfortunately, only five of them made it to the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre at Homebush on the day.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lily Leggett did not get to compete in the discus, likewise Jackson Amidy in the 100m and 200m sprints.

However, Year 12 student Lachlan Charnock did get there and came seventh in the 800m event.

He competed at the same event last year and said the “bigger stage” did not intimidate him.

“It’s just bigger,” he laughed.

The day was a huge learning curve for Year seven speedster George Davis, who placed first in his 100m heat and sixth in the final.

“It was great to be selected to go to Sydney but I had to use starting blocks,” he commented.

“I have never had to use them before so I didn’t know what to do.”

Long-distance runner Tristan Muir has represented his school every year since entering high school. 

He is now in Year nine and finished sixth in the 1500m.

Fellow student Joseph O’Brien also competed in the endurance event but in the 17-18 year division.

Contesting two separate and very different disciplines was Jade Reeves.

The all-rounder qualified for the 200m and discus events.

St Catherine’s College sports coordinator Tim Rohr said all the students put in a great effort.

“Qualifying for the championships is an achievement in itself as only the competitors who place first in their events at Dio (Diocese) get selected to go through to state.”