Isabelle Thokchom, a Year 6 student at Brandon Park Primary School, is basking in her new achievements in the field of athletics. Having won two silver medals at the just completed Australian Athletics Championships (in shot put and discus) held in Adelaide, she is now ready to pursue even bigger dreams.
With this win at the event held from 11 to 19 April, Isabelle has become the Victorian champion for two consecutive years.
“Although, it has been amazing to be state champion for two consecutive years in shotput, winning Gold in Javelin last year at the state champion was great,” she says, adding, “This year I became champion in discus as well, that makes me very happy.”
Born to Biren Thokchom and Sofia, who originally hail from the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, Isabelle started playing shot put at the age of eight.
Realising she was good at it, she went on to compete at regional and state level. A year later, she was introduced to discus throw and gradually to javelin.
“I’ve been training for javelin for about two years, and the competitions began when I was under 11 years old,” she tells The Indian Sun.
Her trajectory so far: In November 2023, at the SSV State Athletics championship, Isabelle excelled, winning first place in discus and shotput. She also earned a Gold medal for Shotput and was named the Most Consistent player by the Wantirna South Junior Football Club Girls U12.
Isabelle broke records at the Knox Open Championships for U11 Girls in discus and javelin. She continued her success as the Victorian State champion in javelin and shotput for the under 11 Girls category.
She represented Victoria at the SSA National Championship in Brisbane, placing 5th in shotput individually and securing 2nd position in the team challenge. These accomplishments add to her previous victories at the SSV State Athletics championship in 2022, where she placed first in discus and second in shotput for the 9–10-year-old girls category.
Isabelle expresses her enjoyment in training alongside peers of her age group, and even more so in competing with them. She stresses that the greater discipline she applies to her training, the more she refines her techniques. “People recognise the complexity of my skills,” she adds.
Isabelle’s dedication extends beyond the track. During the off-season, which falls in winter, she trains with a footy club and competes on weekends, usually Sundays.
Alongside this, she undergoes private coaching to enhance her throwing skills and maintain general fitness. Her coaches meticulously refine her techniques, whether for shot put, discus, or javelin.
As the season approaches, from early spring to late summer, Isabelle ramps up her training to about 3-4 days a week. Additionally, she dedicates one day each week to gym sessions aimed at recovery and injury prevention. Competitions fill her weekends, occurring on Saturdays or Sundays, with occasional weekday events for school competitions.
In addition to her rigorous training regimen, Isabelle dedicates one day each week to gym sessions aimed at recovery and injury prevention. Her weekends are filled with competitions, typically occurring on Saturdays or Sundays, with occasional weekday events for school competitions.
Balancing her athletic pursuits with academics presents its challenges. “Sometimes I have training before school starts, and that has been a challenge to join the classroom immediately after a hard training session. I always want to be on time at school, which worries me if I am going to miss my class. I am very obedient in my classwork and very respectful of my homeroom teacher. I am glad that I get to sit with the very best of the best (high achievers) in the class, and I certainly enjoy that,” she says.
During competitions, she maintains focus through a variety of events, not just throws, but also fun activities like high jump and the 100 meters. These events not only keep her engaged but also allow her to meet competitors from Victoria and across Australia, which she finds exhilarating.
Outside of athletics, Isabelle enjoys a range of hobbies. Like many girls her age, she spends time playing Roblox and chatting with friends. Music is another passion, and she enjoys shopping with friends as well. She also has an interest in art and drama, activities she looks forward to pursuing at Wesley College.
But she does have advice for those who want to follow her footsteps. “Be Very disciplined with yourself and pay attention to your coach. Try to find something that you enjoy the most.”
When asked about her current ambitions, she mentions it’s too early to pinpoint, but she definitely aims to compete in the Olympics or any other world championship one day. “That is my dream.”
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Isabelle Thokchom, a Year 6 student from Brandon Park Primary School, achieves athletic success, winning silver in shot put & discus at the Australian Athletics Championships. She aspires to compete in the Olympics. 🏅🎽🏃♀️🇦🇺🎯 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/8wGHvvvxLQ
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) May 7, 2024
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