It’s a long way from the football field at Willowbrook Reserve to the World Para Athletics Championships.
Just weeks ago, Westmeadows’ Michael Mayne was playing for his club in the Essendon District Football League division 2 grand final against Rupertswood.
He played 18 games for the season and was named in the best on five occasions.
That was quickly put behind him as he headed to India to make his international athletics debut in the T38 long jump at the World Championships.
The T38 category is for ambulant athletes with cerebral palsy or other movement disorders who have a mild impairment, affecting the body with mild asymmetries and slightly reduced muscle coordination.
Mayne has cerebral palsy on his right side.
Mayne produced the performance of his life, as he jumped 6.33 metres to launch himself into medal contention early in the competition.
While he finished sixth, the jump was a massive personal best which he did earlier this year.
“That was awesome,” he said afterwards. “From talking to the senior guys, the main thing was to go out there and have fun.
“I have had a really good training block since nationals and I knew I had a really good chance at a PB.
“Once I got that out of the way, I had a look at the scoreboard and thought you know what, I’ve got a chance to medal here. It didn’t go the way I hoped after that, but I’m stoked.
“I’ve got a lot left in me. I’m looking forward to LA because if I can get it right with the board, there’s a lot to come. I’m really excited.”
Mayne said he had been working hard between the national championships when he jumped 6.15 metres with a lot of gym work, seeing a dietitian and doing everything right.
He was also playing football during the same period.
Mayne said he had a really good support crew behind him who had helped him get to this point.
