ATHLETICS: A year of training six days a week has paid off for Warwick State High School student Zac Caterson who returned home from Melbourne on Sunday with three medals from the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.

The 13-year-old joined the Queensland Heat team in camp for the weekend.

In front of his whole family, Caterson won a silver medal in discus on Friday before taking a bronze medal in shot put the following day.

Fighting mental and physical fatigue on the third day of competition Caterson completed a medal trifecta.

He threw a personal best of 47.56m to win gold in the javelin and the title of national champion.

Javelin is Caterson's favourite event and a discipline he trains for each week with father Paul Caterson.

Mr Caterson said he was proud of his son for doing so well despite competing in three separate events.

"It's a big three days because most of the other kids just compete in one event," he said.

"The hardest part is keeping mentally focused, but he's very committed.

"He lives and breathes athletics."

Paul said the gold medal in javelin was extra special.

"We were very excited about the javelin because it's usually his fun event," he said.

"It's the one we do together as father and son - it keeps us pretty close."

Zac returned to school yesterday for the final week before school holidays.

The family will take a well-earned break for the next month before training starts again ahead of the Australian Junior Championships held in Perth in March.

RESULTS

 Liam Duncan finished eighth place in under 18 hammer throw

 Sophie Follett placed 14th in the 14 -15 years girls 3000m

 Jack Bannister won a bronze medal in under 18s boys discus

 Brendan Hoffman finished 9th in under 16s boys shot put