RISING star Keelan Perry has returned from the trip of a lifetime to Canada with Sports Travel Australia.
Keelan was among some of Victoria and New South Wales' most promising young athletes chosen to represent Australia at track and field meets in Kelowna and Kamloops.
He competed in javelin, hurdles, and sprinting, frequently finishing in the finals.
In javelin, Keelan placed fourth in the under 15 competition at the Jack Brow Memorial meet in Kelowna.
He also placed fourth in the 300 metre hurdle, and 11th in both the 100 metre and 200 metre hurdle.
Keelan also attended the British Columbia Championship Jamboree.
The event ran across two days and was held in Kamloops.
Keelan just missed top eight, finishing ninth in javelin and seventh in hurdles.
He also placed 21st in the 100 metre hurdle and 22nd in the 200m
Keelan said he was pleased with his results, especially in light of the tough competition.
Along with competing, the athletes also took part in a number of training sessions at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, and Hillside Stadium in Kamloops.
Developing techniques, team bonding and becoming more positive and passionate about athletics.
The group also found plenty of time for sightseeing on the 18 day tour.
"We spent Canada Day in Vancouver and enjoyed day trips to Grouse Mountain and Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics," Keelan said.
They were given the opportunity to try white water rafting and visited the little town of Hope, where they filmed Rambo, First Blood.
Another highlight was time spent in California, where the Australians visited Universal Studios, Disneyland and on Keelan's free day, Sea World in San Diego.
He labelled the entire experience "amazing."
"The best thing was meeting new people on the tour who just love sport, its great fun," he said.
Now back in Ararat, Keelan will return to his training regime with his coach Lindsay Burgoyne, and WestVic Academy of Sport.
"I'd like to thank Mum, my family and all the people and businesses who provided support, encouragement and sponsorship towards the most rewarding trip ever," he said.
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