Pryse, 12, soared 1.58 metres to win the under-14 high jump title and in the process broke the under-13s record which was set by Ricky Nixon more than 30 years ago.

The new record-holder and previous record-holder wore the Bendigo YMCA Harriers colours.

Nixon cleared 1.57m when he set the centre’s under-13 high jump record in the mid 70s.

He later went on to play for St Kilda and Hawthorn football clubs before becoming a high-profile player manager.

Nixon also holds the under-13 long jump record.

The AB list of record-holders includes former Carlton player Ian Prendergast, while St Kilda star Nick Dal Santo and Geelong’s triple premiership player Joel Selwood hold some Bendigo Little Athletics records.

Pryse’s record-breaking feat by Pryse was one of many highlights on day one of the AB titles at the LaTrobe University Bendigo athletics complex in Flora Hill.

The talented youngster impressed in several events as he and many others warmed up for this weekend’s Victoria Country titles to be held in Bendigo.

There were 113 athletes striving for personal bests and victory across a wide variety of evens on Saturday afternoon.

Multiple winners on Saturday included Eaglehawk’s Amanda Heard and Casey Crapper; Bendigo YM’s Roxanne Kellow, Brett Gilligan and Blake Pryse; South Bendigo’s Carol Coad, Nigel Self and Norm West and Chris Timewell.

Just 3.6 points separate Bendigo YMCA Harriers and South Bendigo as they prepare for day two of the AB championships to be run on January 21.

The three-day country championships begin at 5pm this Friday at the Retreat Road athletics complex in Flora Hill.