In his final year at Nangus Public School, on Wiradjuri land, Cody Wheeler’s neck is feeling slightly heavy.

The Year 6 student this year has picked up medal after medal in athletics competitions, including in the 100m, 200m, shot put, relay and discus events.

Recently at the School Sport Australia National 10-12 Years Athletics Championships in Canberra, Cody won four gold medals, one silver medal, and broke three national records.

It wasn’t the gold medals however that left him smiling the most, but instead the silver medal he won alongside three of his close friends in the 4x100m relay.

“I got to go on the platform with my friends,” he told The Daily Advertiser.

The 11-year-old had the support of his school behind him as students and staff, past and present, travelled to Canberra with signs and messages for Cody.

The four-and-a-half-hour return trip was especially heartfelt for his former teachers Mrs Annetts and Mrs Pickersgill, who have supported him since kindergarten.

Principal Anna Streckfuss said the opportunity for the school to watch Cody compete at a national level was inspiring and uplifting.

“It encouraged our students to pursue their own passions and work hard toward their goals,” she said.

The principal said Cody would keep the signs made for him as reminders of the strong camaraderie that existed within their small school community the pride the school had shown in him.

She said it was important for the students to witness athletes, both able-bodied and with disabilities strive to be their best.

With Cody now preparing to go to high school, he leaves behind a legacy of determination and passion for sport.

“Despite facing significant medical challenges and spending many days away from school, Cody has never stopped giving his best,” Miss Streckfuss said.

“His success is a powerful reflection of his courage and commitment.”