AFTER a short break, solid new year training and success at a recent meeting, a powerful Ipswich and District Athletics Club contingent is ready to impress.

Twenty-four club representatives are contesting the first major 2012 competition, starting tomorrow.

More than 500 athletes have nominated for the Queensland Junior Championships at QE11.

First-time state championship representatives at the three-day competition include Heather Burridge (U16 javelin), Juanita Chambers (U14 100m, 200m), Tamica Elder (U16 discus), Maranatha Raeli (U16 discus) and Josh Stockill (U18 400m hurdles).

Julien Smithis competing for Ipswich after lining up at past NSW championships.

The 14-year-old club newcomer won the bronze medal at last weekend’s U/16 3000m (9.39.15).

This weekend, Majella Pearl has a big under-14 program in 100m, 200m, 80m hurdles, high jump and long jump.

Rising all-rounder Alex Grissell is in the under-18 100m, 200m, long jump, shot put and javelin.

Other Ipswich club competitors testing their form this weekend include Erika Berlin (U18 long jump and 400m hurdles), Emily Beston (U16 800m), Larissa Chambers (U18 100m, 200m), her sister Aaliyah (U18 100m and 100m hurdles), Tamica Elder (U16 discus), Tegan Haley (U18 steeplechase), Kara-Lynn Hodges (U20 long jump and triple jump), Chevelle Kurth (U18 long jump and triple jump), Tanika Marshall (U16 hurdles and high jump), Madeline McGuire (U16 800m), Elizabeth Melrose (U20 400m hurdles), Cassie Purdon (U18 and U20 high jump), Ashlee Stieler (U16 hurdles), Rhiana Webber (U16 200m, 400m and triple jump), Joshua Kemp (U20 hurdles and long jump) and Connor McNamara (U20 3000m steeplechase).

“I find when the kids train well, they perform well,” club official and coach Vic Pascoe said.