A 12-year-old speed skater from Logan Central is preparing for his first international competition in South Korea after setting a new Australian speed skating record and winning a swag of medals at the national championships.
Jaxon Hansen broke the Australian record in the Junior 21km half marathon at the Skate Australia Speed National Championships in Victoria in January.
He finished in 37 minutes and 58 seconds, breaking the previous record of 40 minutes and 22 seconds.
He also won 10 gold medals in his age category at the event.
Jaxon skates for the Logan City Speed Skating Club based at Skate Paradise at Hillcrest
From April 16-22 he will join six other skaters from his club to compete at the Namwon Korea Open, a competition recognised for bringing strong speed skaters together from around the world.
Jaxon’s mum Theressa Hansen said she was extremely proud.
“Since starting competitively in 2022, Jaxon has grown not just as an athlete, but as a young man,” she said.
“Seeing him now preparing to compete internationally is something we are very proud of.”
“We are grateful for the support that Logan City Speed and sponsor PPSS SkateBag has provided Jaxon, with coaching, equipment and support needed to be competitive at this international level.”
Jaxon said it would be his first time competing overseas and he was nervous.
“For me, it’s really about the experience,” he said.
“I hope to take away a lot — not just from the racing, but from being around international athletes, learning new strategies and understanding what it takes to compete at that level.”
“My goal is to keep improving every year, compete internationally more often, and one day represent Australia at the highest level – the world championships.”
“I want to see how far hard work and dedication can take me,” Jaxon said.
Ms Hansen said this would also be Jaxon’s first-time racing on a bank track, which required a new set of technical skills.
“We don’t have bank track in Australia, but Logan City Speed is working with Logan City Council to get the Rosia Road Sports and Recreation facility happening,” she said.
“This will mean that Logan will have the only world standard bank track in Australia and will be able to host international standard competition as seen in Namwon.”
Ms Hansen said Jaxon began racing competitively in 2022 after being introduced to speed skating at a general session.
“What started as curiosity quickly turned into a true passion,” she said.
“Jaxon competes across all distances — from explosive 100m sprints right through to endurance events like the 21km half marathon.”
“While he gives everything in the shorter races, long-distance events are where he truly excels, combining strategy, stamina and mental strength.”
Because he doesn’t have enough on his plate already, Jaxon has also decided to run 5km in the International Women’s Day Fun Run in March and is raising money for the cause.
“I was challenged by a fellow speed skater to take part in the fun run as part of a club initiative alongside other Logan City Speed members and it just went from there,” Jaxon said.
“If I can run and raise money to help families going through something tough, then it’s worth it.”
After exceeding his original fundraisinggoal of $250, he promised his donators he would run in a pink skirt and pink socks.
“My next goal is $500 — and if I reach that, I’ll dye my hair pink for the event,” he said.
“The bigger the support, the bigger the commitment!”
