Above: Brother and sister duo Kenneth and Katrina Hughes scored some impressive results at the Australian Special Olympics in Queensland recently.
By Callan Date
THEY say hard work plus commitment equals success and two Cranbourne athletes have proved just that.
Kenneth Hughes, 19, and sister Katrina, 15, returned last week from a highly successful performance at the 2006 Australian Special Olympics in Queensland.
The teenagers, who showed great spirit in overcoming mild learning difficulties, recorded personal best times in several events and took home a swag of medals.
Sprinter Kenneth won two silver medals for his efforts in the 200 metre event and 4×400 metre relay. He also won bronze in both the 400 metres and long jump.
Katrina also blitzed the field with her gold medal performance in the long jump.
The modest youngster also recorded personal best times in the 100 metre and 200 metre event.
Excited mother Theresa Hughes said she was thrilled for her children – knowing the hard work and dedication they put into their athletic training.
“I shed a tear when they were presented with their medals at the presentation,” Ms Hughes said.
Both athletes train with Westernport and have represented Victoria in different competitions on several occasions.
Ms Hughes said the atmosphere throughout the whole carnival was joyous and the event was an uplifting experience.
“The volunteers were so friendly. They helped us out and really looked after the athletes,” she said.
Dad Ronald and younger brother Matthew also supported Kenneth and Katrina during the Queensland trip while their self-confessed number one fan, older brother Shaun, supported from their Cranbourne home.
The sporty duo will have one month off training and are then set to get running again in preparation for the Victorian games in April.
