AIS Short Track Speed Skater Pierre Boda has led the Australian team at the Junior World Championships in Courmayeur, Italy, posting a top performance in the men’s 1500m event.

Also joining Boda on the Australian team were Angus McCulloch, Armstrong Lazenby, Deanna Lockett and Sinead Fogerty.

Also impressing was 15-year-old Deanna Lockett who placed in the top 20 in all three distances contested, highlighted by a 13th place in the women’s 1500m event, which was the highest ever placing by an Australian female at the Junior World Championships.

AIS Short Track Speed Skating Coach Ann Zhang was very happy with the results achieved.

“The results were very encouraging, especially by Deanna who impressed against much older and experienced World Cup competitors.”

“Pierre did very well in the 1500m, but unfortunately made some mistakes in the 500m and 1000m event which forced him out early in the competition.”

AIS skaters Pierre Boda and Julie Jung will be representing Australia at the 2011 Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Sheffield, England from March 11 to 13.