Brilliant Bennet is Busselton’s latest rising star

St Mary MacKillop College student Kalen Bennet has been named the June Busselton Freight Rising Sports Star, recognising his standout achievements in distance running.

The 16-year-old has rapidly become one of the South West’s top junior distance runners since taking up competitive running in 2023.

His dedication and results earned him a place in the South West Academy of Sport in 2024.

Kalen had a huge race week in Perth, where he placed first in the U19 ACC Cross Country Championships, second in the U18 WA State Short Course Championships, and third in the U19 SSWA All Schools Cross Country. The results qualified him for the National Cross Country Championships on the Gold Coast in September.

He has twice represented WA in the School Sport National Cross Country and Relay Teams and was selected for the 3000m and 1500m events at the 2024 All Schools National Championships.

At the prestigious Zatopek:10 Meet in Melbourne, Kalen Bennet placed ninth nationally in the U17 3000m.

He also recently recorded personal bests of 15:52 for 5km and 33 minutes 36 seconds for 10km.

His track success includes gold in the 3000m and silver in the 1500m at the 2024 WA All Schools Championships, selection as an ACC All-Star, and gold in the U17 1500m at the 2025 Athletics West Country Championships.

Kalen has also made his mark internationally, winning the Asia Pacific XTERRA 10km Trail Run in 2025.

On the trails, he dominated the 2025 Perth Trail Summer Series, winning all three 10km Open events, and earning multiple podium finishes in the 2024 series.

On the road, he placed second in the Busselton Bay Run in both 2024 and 2025, and claimed victories in events in Bunbury, Albany, Pemberton, and Dwellingup.

Through his involvement with Dynamic Allied Health, Kalen also competes in team triathlons as the runner, working alongside other SWAS athletes.

Kalen is now preparing for Nationals and working toward longer-distance events.

With his work ethic, talent, and results, he’s a standout among the region’s young sporting stars.