Singleton's Ethan McLoughlin competes at 2016 Australian All Schools Athletics Championships

The St Catherine’s Catholic College year 7 student travelled to Canberra for the three-day national competition on December 2 at the Australian Institute of Sport Track and Field centre.

He came fourth in the U14 boys 400m event, recording a personal best (PB) time of 54.67 seconds.

This comes on the back of a silver medal (56.54) at the NSW All Schools Championships on October 14.

And, prior to this a gold medal (57.65) at the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Athletics Championships on September 16.

Both these events were held at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush.

What is more impressive is the fact that during his campaign, McLoughlin managed to shave two seconds off his time.

“He recorded PB’s all the way through,” his proud mum, says.

McLoughlin says being a part of the 2XU New South Wales team and competing at the nationals was definitely a step up.

The AAS competition is considered the pinnacle of Australia’s Athletics development pathway.

The event welcomes the best school-aged track and field starters to duel for the coveted title of national champion.

“All the other competitors had personal trainers,” he says.

Whereas the laid back McLoughlin only ramped up his training sessions with Katrina Woods after the NSW All Schools competition.

Although he is a member of the Singleton Track & Field Club (STFC), and had an awesome 2015-2016 season.

After his gold medal haul at the regionals (100m, 200m, and 400m, long jump and relay), he competed in the state championships.

In 2014-2015 season he also made it to the state carnival in the U11 age category for the 100m, 200m, 400m and triple jump.

Despite all his success, McLoughlin admits to only doing athletics for fitness and fun.

He prefers to play rugby union for the Singleton Bulls.

But now it’s time to for the versatile athlete to get back into Little A’s.

Looking at his recent form the 2016-17 season should be a cracker.