Rising star Caitlyn Butland is showing what dedication and perseverance can deliver, shining as one of Australia's rising young talents in what is shaping up as a golden era for athletics.

Catilyn delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2025 Australian Junior Nationals held in April, taking home the gold in the Under 17 Girls Pole Vault.

Competing in front of an appreciative crowd in Perth, the determined young athlete soared to victory with a stunning clearance of 3.16 metres — a new personal best.

Caitlyn, a Year 10 student at Mossman State High School and a proud member of Douglas Athletics, balances her academic life with a committed training regime.

She trains two to three times a week in Mossman and travels once a week to Cairns - a 1.5-hour journey each way - to train with the Cairns Vaulters, a passionate and growing group of pole vaulters from across Far North Queensland, including Cairns, the Tablelands and Mossman areas.

The group is proudly supported by Cairns Athletics, which plays a key role in fostering junior athletics in the region.

In addition to her gold medal in pole vault, Caitlyn also competed in the triple jump, placing 7th, and the 100m hurdles, finishing 13th - showcasing her versatility and determination as an athlete.

In a true show of resilience, Caitlyn had to borrow poles for her final two jumps, including her gold-medal-winning clearance, as the Cairns Vaulters currently don’t have the full range of poles required for higher-level vaulting.

Despite the challenge of competing with unfamiliar equipment, Caitlyn maintained her composure and delivered a clutch performance under pressure.

“To come away with a PB and the win feels incredible,” Caitlyn said.

“I’m so happy with how I performed, especially with the last-minute gear changes. I’m so grateful for my coaches, my family, and the Cairns Vaulters group who are all so supportive and encouraging.”