When hockey player Aaron Benson started athletics for the first time this season, he didn't expect he'd end up liking it more than the stick and ball game.
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"I play in winter with Technique Hockey Club, a wonderful hockey club," the 17-year-old said.
"I do a lot of running so this (athletics) will help me in games.
"But I've fallen in love with athletics more than hockey now, which is very funny."
Now the Warrnambool-based athlete is set to compete in his first Victorian Country Championships, the major event for regional track and field clubs in Victoria.
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The championships, at Geelong's John Landy Athletics Field, commence on Saturday and wrap up on Monday.
The Athletics South West Turbines member will give his all in the under 20 men's 100 metres and 200m.
He's hoping to beat his personal best of 11.9 seconds in the 100m.
Benson isn't the only one going to his first countries.
Grassmere-based Emily Smith will represent Ballarat Harriers in the 100m, 200m, 400m and high jump.
The 42-year-old, originally from Geelong, was living in England before relocating to the south-west in February 2019.
Smith, a heptathlete, has scaled back her events because of an ankle injury she sustained last year.
She has been gradually building up and competed in the Warrnambool Gift in November.
Smith has undertaken plenty of grass-based training in the lead up to countries.
"You have to work a bit harder so you get fitter faster," she said with a smile.
"And it just give you an added edge once you're on the track."
Smith was in hot form prior to her ankle injury.
She took silver in the 400m hurdles, 80m hurdles and high jump in the women's 40-45 age group at the Australian championships in 2019.
A host of other south-west athletes are competing at the championships this Australia Day long weekend.
Josh Bail (10000m), Ruby Darcy (100m, high jump, triple jump), Jesse Suter (100m, 200m, 400m, long jump), Grace Carter (100m, 200m, 400m), Emily Morden (1500m, 800m), Jorja Sharp (hammer throw, shot put), Ella Sharp (hammer, long jump), Emily Darcy (triple jump) and Benson will compete for Athletics South West Turbines.
Layla Watson (100m, 400m), Grace Kelly (100m, 200m) and Smith will represent Ballarat Harriers.
Terang's Caytlyn Sharp (hammer throw, 100m para, long jump) is representing Eureka Athletic Club.
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