Six members of the tight-knit club took the long trip, but showed it was a worthwhile venture with some quality results.

Jemma Peart, 15, won the under-16 girls three kilometre race and a number of team-race gold medals, family members Alanna and Scott also enjoyed top three finishes in their respective races. Jorja Tallent came third in the handicap under-10 girls one kilometre walk, while Brodie Tallent and Keelan Perry competed but did not get a podium finish.

“They all usually do quite well, for such a small group, they perform really well up against all the others from around Australia,” Ballarat Racewalking Club’s Kerrie Peart said.

“When you get to those national comps, they’re from all over Australia, it’s pretty tough competition so you can’t take it easy.”

Jemma Peart has recently been selected in the under-17 Athletics Australia Development Squad. While Alanna has been selected for racewalking in the 2017 Little Athletics Australian National under-15 training camp.

Both will get to attend Australian Institute of Sport camps later this year – a huge boost for their future aspirations.

“It’s very exciting for them to start to get some national advice, at least you’re on the radar. That’s where they start to watch the talent, through the junior groups. They can keep an eye on the prospective kids to go onto to the world titles.”