Young WA student sprints to victory

A West Australian schoolgirl is the fastest female in Australia in her age group.

Charlotte Ehioghae, 13, made her mark on the national athletics scene at the 2025 Australian Athletic Championships at WA Athletics Stadium last month, winning a gold medal following a standout performance in the Under 15, 100m sprint final. 

The Year 8, from John Curtin College of the Arts (JCCA), charged over the line in just 11.36 seconds, with an added 2.5 minutes per second wind-assisted time. 

Charlotte is deservedly excited about her achievement.  

“It feels truly amazing being the fastest female in my age group in Australia,” she said. 

“I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment after training hard and putting in the effort. 

“I dedicated myself, and in the end, I not only achieved my goal, but exceeded it.” 

Despite Charlotte’s outstanding performance, her time of 11.36 seconds didn’t qualify as an official new record due to it being assisted by a +2.5 m/s tailwind.  

However, her time still outpaced the current world record holder, Melanie Doggett, who ran 100m in 11.53 seconds, with no wind assistance.  

Director of Health and Physical Education at JCCA, Matthew Donlevy, said it has been amazing to witness Charlotte’s elite talent. 

“The college is immensely proud of Charlotte’s success; including the level of discipline and sacrifice it takes to perform at such a high-level,” Mr Donlevy said. 

“Charlotte’s success has been shared throughout the school community, with many staff and students congratulating Charlotte on her wonderful achievement.” 

Charlotte’s next challenge is to claim a personal record of her own.  

“I truly aspire to go to the Olympics one day and I am fully committed to doing so,” she said. 

Prior to the Australian Championships, Charlotte also won Under 15 Girl's 100m with a time of 11.50 seconds (+3.9) and 200m final at 23.81 seconds (+2.9) at the WA State Championships.  

Charlotte's current world Ranking is 684 in the Women’s 100m sprint.