By LIAM TWOMEY
NOT many athletes have the ability to win three national titles in one day.
But then again, not many have the exceptional talents of Celeste Mucci.
After proving too quick to catch on the soccer field as a junior, Mucci joined the Altona Little Athletics Club before progressing to the Williamtown Athletics Club.
It was there she teamed up with club coach David Jamieson and burning up the track became second nature.
Competing at the National Championships in Perth earlier this year, Mucci received her schedule for the day, which included the finals for her hurdles, long jump and high jump events.
While some would have been daunted by the hectic program, the Seaholme resident produced her best on the big stage.
Mucci claimed gold in all three events.
“That was probably the best experience for me so far,” she said.
“That day I found out I had all those events and that they were all going to clash as well.
“I won my long jump which gave me a lot of confidence for the rest of my events. I just kept going and it was such a good day,” Mucci said.
“I didn’t have any family over in Perth so I was by myself with the team. I called my mum at the end of the day and she couldn’t believe it. She actually didn’t believe me at first.”
Not done yet, the 14-year-old also joined her Victorian teammates in capturing gold in the 4×100 relay.
In her final event of the program, the 100 metres, Mucci just missed a clean sweep and came second in the final.
However, she did run a personal best.
“I’ve always lost to that girl by a fair bit but this time it was just by a little bit,” she said.
“Hopefully in the next race I’ll be able to get her.”
Winning is nothing new for Mucci who has made a habit of finishing first throughout her career.
The Williamstown High School student claimed two firsts (hurdles and high jump) and two seconds (long jump and 100m) at the 2013 Victorian Junior Track and Field Championships.
Across a number of events, there has also been gold at the State Multi Event, 2012 ADIDAS All Schools and Secondary School Victorian Sport Association and State Finals.
Not surprisingly, Mucci is aiming for even greater success in the future.
“I’m happy doing as many events as possible at the moment,” she said.
“I might focus on the heptathlon, which is seven events. If not, I’ll just probably go down to the one or two.
“I want to represent Australia at a World Junior Championships or at the Commonwealth Games and then maybe Olympics when I’m older.”
For her outstanding sporting achievements Mucci has been named this month’s Don Deeble Rising Star nominee.
The award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club in conjunction with the Star News Group.
Celeste will receive $1000 donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club and other prizes to assist in her future sporting goals.
The Don Deeble Rising Star Award recognises young athletes in the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level.
