Nyajima Jock and Ballarat’s Sprint Queens set for Central Park

Date: 17th March 2025

Ballarat’s sprinting scene is in a strong place right now, and one athlete ready for the Powercor Stawell Gift this Easter is Nyajima Jock, a rising star who has shone on the Victorian pro running circuit this season.

Nyajima, a 22-year-old beauty therapist, has been in exceptional form, claiming victory at both the Ballarat Gift and Maryborough Gift while also breaking Ballarat records over 100m, 200m, and 400m. Most recently, she became the Victorian 200m state champion.

“This season has been amazing. Winning my hometown Ballarat Gift was definitely a highlight, and becoming the 200m state champion was another big achievement,” she said.

Despite her success, she is keeping her expectations in check as she prepares for her first Stawell appearance, where she will compete in the Powercor Women’s Gift.

“I don’t want to put too much focus on my handicap. Right now, I’m focused on my preparation, and if I can execute my races well, hopefully, I’ll have a chance,” she said.

Nyajima trains under Gerrard Keating at GK Racers, a Ballarat-based squad known for developing sprinting talent. Keating, a former Australian 100m champion and national record holder (10.22s), has been instrumental in her development.

“I look up to my coach, Gerrard. He’s now retired from running, but I hope I can achieve as high or a higher standard than he did,” she said.

Keating, who coached Australia’s fastest-ever female sprinter Torrie Lewis, is bringing a strong group of four female sprinters to Stawell for the first time, including Nyajima and her training partners, Armani Anderson, Mackenzie Estlick, and Molly Fraser.

Armani is coming off a breakout performance, winning the Geelong Gift in her first-ever pro running meet at the weekend. The Victorian Under-20 100m state champion is making a name for herself as an exciting young sprinter.

Mackenzie Estlick, the Victorian Under-18 100m and 200m state champion, has also been in top form, while Molly Fraser, a talented jumper, is viewed by Keating as a future 400m star.

“Molly was runner up to Armani in the Under 20 100m. She’s got a good engine, and when she’s ready, she’ll be very good,” Gerrard said of Molly Fraser.

The Ballarat community has embraced the group, christening them the “Sprint Queens,” a title they’ll look to live up to at Stawell.

Keating believes Nyajima has a bright future ahead of her. Despite having her handicap adjusted after each Gift win this season, he is confident in her ability to step up to the challenge.

“She’s been pulled two metres for each of her wins, so her mark is very tough,” he said. “But there’s no point complaining about your mark. You can go into a race and be complacent, or you can rise to the occasion.”

Nyajima is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of the Stawell Gift, a race that has been on her radar for some time.

“I’ve never competed at Stawell before, but I know how special it is because of how long it’s been around,” she said.

She is also embracing the uniqueness of professional running, which she says is very different from traditional track meets.

“Honestly, I love the chase in pro racing. It’s more laid-back than the amateurs. You can wear whatever you want, there’s no call rooms, and it’s just a chill vibe,” she said.

With the Sprint Queens set to take on Australia’s best at Stawell, eyes will be on Nyajima and her training partners as they look to leave their mark at Central Park.

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