Warlpiri track star Telaya Blacksmith has set a new Australian Open record in the T20 200m, continuing a strong run of form as she builds toward her next major meets.
Blacksmith posted a time of 24.75 seconds at the NSW Championships, lowering the national mark and delivering the sub-25 second run she had been chasing this season.
She said the result came as a surprise even as she entered the race aiming for a strong time.
"I had my mind set on a good time, but didn't think about it until I saw the board as I was running," Ms Blacksmith said.
"I was very happy and proud of myself.
"It's boosted my confidence in my next races I have coming up."
The result adds to a solid recent campaign, including her 400m run at the NSW Juniors at Sydney Olympic Park, where she clocked 58.76 seconds on a new track and finished into a headwind.
That form is now shaping her focus for the months ahead.
Blacksmith said she is now looking more closely at the 400m as she works toward upcoming competition, including the Australian Athletics Championships in the coming weeks and a later target in Darwin.
She outlined where her attention is now turning.
"I think Ill focus on the 400 moving forward," she said.
"It'll be a massive thing for me if I make it in the 400 so all the mob can come out and watch me.
"I've been working very hard to get a good time so I can compete in Darwin."
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She is also receiving backing off the track, with recent support from All 1 Protein, while continuing to enjoy her time with Puma as another sponsor.
Away from competition, Blacksmith said balancing life as a full-time athlete with work can be difficult.
She explained what helps her through the tougher periods.
"I try to fit in my shifts at work but it's hard when you're a full time athlete," Ms Blacksmith said.
"I usually just keep thinking about my family on those hard days."
As she continues to build toward her goals, Blacksmith said support from others remains important.
At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Telaya Blacksmith set Australian and Oceania records in the T20 400m, running 57.96 seconds in her heat to qualify for the final.
She went on to finish eighth in the final and placed ninth in the long jump, marking a strong debut on the world stage.
Blacksmith also had a message for young people coming through the athletic ranks.
"Its about keeping people around you that ecourage you to do better," she said. "And making sure you talk to them and have fun with it."
