In a display of versatility that will have state opponents looking over their shoulders, Sansom qualified for the 100 metre hurdles, the triple jump and 800 metre events.

The up and coming athlete was deservedly excited and said that he was "really looking forward to state" after his strong showing at the regional hurdles surprised even him.

"I couldn't believe it, it's unreal, I was really nervous at the start because everyone was telling me that the people I was against had all been to state ... but I managed to get them in the end" he said.

"When I was running I heard my mum screaming my name [saying] that I was going to win, I think it was probably the best feeling I've ever had in athletics."

The result is all the more impressive for Sansom's relative inexperience.

After a long break Sansom only recently returned to athletics, and began hurdling for the first time at the beginning of the year.

He said that he had initially struggled with the event and that training from Raymond Terrace hurdles coach Katie Drosd had helped him to improve.

"I felt like I was doing heaps better and was taking four seconds off of my time, I have Katie to thank for that."

Sansom will head to Sydney for three days of athletics competition at the end of March, and will be supported by his mother and extended family.