Walker is taking success in his stride

He may have entered his first race walking event for a bit of fun, but Cooper Anderton is now a serious contender in the sport – and he has the medals to prove it.

In a relatively short length of time competing in the testing discipline, the teenager has quickly built up an enviable collection of gold, silver and bronze medals.

Cooper’s accomplishments include snaring gold in the 1500m walk, silver in the 800m and bronze in the 400m relay at his first international junior athletics competition in Singapore last year.

In July this year, he jetted to Malaysia to contest the same competition, further cementing his talent by again being the first to power across the finish line in the 1500m walk. He also took home silver for the 400m relay.

Earlier this month, the Australind Senior High School student put himself to the test in an Athletics WA Championships and was crowned under-16 5km State champion.

Cooper also took out the 2km under-15 State title at a Little Athletics Championships and he has recorded the fastest time for that event in Australia.

Recently, the young gun made history by becoming the first race walker to earn a highly-coveted spot in the South West Academy of Sport’s individual athlete support program.

Despite his success, the natural athletic talent says he does not have any special race plan or tactic when he competes.

“I just go out and do my best,” he said.