What do you love about Little Athletics?

For Chris and Jonathon from Tensegrity Sports Clinics it’s the friendships, competition, and cherished memories of competing as kids, that has kept them involved in the community as physical activity practitioners.

You may have seen the team from Tensegrity helping hundreds of athletes at the HART State Track & Field Championships, providing top level care while ensuring everyone that came to see them left feeling fresh and ready to give it their best. But did you know that Chris has been involved with Little A’s for over 30 years? Or that Jonathan used to be a star 1500m athlete?

We have taken a deep dive on the duo to discover a bit more about the team that keeps our athletes on the track and in the field.

Introduce yourself and what you do?

                 Chris: My name is Christopher Bassett, and I’ve been working as a sports chiropractor for the past 12 years. I am deeply passionate about the growth and injury prevention of young athletes, particularly in athletics, a field I’ve been involved in for 28 years, since I was 6 years old.

                 Jonathan: I am Jonathan Perry, and my primary goal is to empower individuals to progress and evolve in their lives. As a senior chiropractor at Tensegrity Sports Clinics, I have the opportunity to work closely with people, guiding them to better understand their bodies and unlock their true potential.

What Centre were you a member of?

                 Chris: My family and I have been members of the Hornsby Little Athletics for three generations, spanning over 30 years.

                 Jonathan: I initially joined the Cherrybrook Little Athletics, later transitioning to Hills District Little Athletics.

What were your favourite memories of Little A’s?

                 Chris: Some of my fondest memories include forming lasting friendships with fellow athletes and competing in state and national competitions all across Australia and NSW. These events felt like an exciting holiday with my family.
I cherish the memories of winning nationals, breaking the national record for the first time, and participating in the Pan Pacific Games, where I had the opportunity to meet athletes from other countries.
Looking back, another of my favourite memories was enjoying the bacon, egg, and sausage sandwiches from the club BBQ and sharing red frogs with friends after finishing the day’s events. And let’s not forget the water fights we’d engage in on hot summer days!

            Jonathan: My fondest memories from Little As include the weekly club meets where I could catch up with friends and socialise between events. Additionally, the excitement of participating in large multi-centre meets, such as Zone, Regional, State Carnivals, the State Multi Carnival, and State Cross Country, was truly memorable.

What were your preferred events to compete in?

                Chris: My favourite events were discus and javelin, but I also loved competing in the walking and shot-put events.

                Jonathan: During my time at Little A’s, my preferred events were competing in distance track running events, such as the 1500m and 3000m races, as well as cross country. As I transitioned into the older age groups and senior athletics, I shifted my focus to the 400m and 800m distances.

Did you have a sporting hero growing up?

                 Chris: Although it may sound corny, my hero growing up was my dad. He was not only my greatest supporter but also devoted his time and energy to helping me become the athlete and person I am today. He was my primary coach for both discus and javelin.

Pictured: Chris Bassett

What makes you so passionate about continuing to be involved with the Little Athletics NSW community?

                 Chris: Athletics gave me many great opportunities and experiences as a child and it is a pleasure to give back and contribute to the development of the next generation of athletes. My athletic career, unfortunately, ended due to a severe injury that meant I couldn’t compete any more. In my time as an athlete I have seen and experienced a lack in access to proper injury prevention and management and I have made it my mission to try to change that for the young athletes competing today.

                Jonathan: The experiences and joy I got from participating in Little Athletics significantly contributed to my personal growth and ultimately led me to my current profession. I believe that Little Athletics continues to inspire and shape young athletes in a similar way.
Looking back, I remember how important it was for me to compete and perform at my best; however, I recognise that I lacked some crucial knowledge about caring for my body at the time. My passion for staying involved with the Little Athletics NSW community stems from my desire to help young athletes transition into their senior years without being hindered by injuries or losing interest in sports.

Little Athletics NSW wish to thank Chris, Jonathan and the whole team from Tensegrity Sports Clinics for their ongoing support of our members and community. We look forward to them sharing their expertise, skills and enthusiasm at our events in the upcoming season.

If you are looking for the best care for your young athlete or looking to get back on the track yourself, you can contact the team at Tensegrity HERE. With clinic locations across metropolitan Sydney there’s sure to be a clinic to meet your needs!