Illawarra Blue Stars athlete, Chelsea Lenarduzzi has won her second Australian Open shot put title when she took the gold medal at last weekend’s Australian Championships. Acting as selection trials for Rio, the heat was on in most events, athletes vying for a spot on the plane to Rio. Chelsea’s performance, on the back of her 2nd placing in the recent NSW titles was a pleasing one, and although slightly injured for State, her turnabout for the National title was a great performance, heaving the shot a good 15.41m, an improvement on last year’s winning distance of 15.27m. Her performance to defend her title was a tribute to her as most athletes feel the pressure of their past performance and can sometimes crumble. Lenarduzzi did not do this, and on her second throw in the final, moved her mark to the winning put. Classed as a “youngster” as far as open shot putting is concerned, she has proven to critics that she can rise to the occasion, and her young age does not mean anything as she is proving to be one of the best putters Australia has produced for some time.
Combining Chelsea’s great Open win, coach Peter Lawler must be a proud man, also coaching U14 Australian Champion and IBS club mate, Trey Barlow.
The Australian Open titles have produced some top line performances and sprinter Stephanie Power can also feel proud of herself in her first National Open title. Power did qualify last season but had to withdraw at the last minute due to injury. Taking to the track this year, she qualified for both the 100m and 200m recording seasonal best times of 12.16 for the 100m and 24.82 for the 200m. IBS would like to congratulate both girls on an outstanding effort.
Illawarra Blue Stars will be implementing a new winter program; one that we feel will not only benefit all athletes but give opportunities to many of the athletes. The club’s winter track and field series to be held every fourth Sunday of the month commencing May, will also incorporate a cross country run, whilst most events will be electronic timing. The winter program will also focus on members taking part in local fun runs and ANSW major events. For more information contact the Club’s secretary on 4262 8498.
The club’s annual awards and presentation will also be held in May, with all members to be notified of the date. Due to the master’s major National titles to be held in April, the club will wait for these results for selection of major awards.
Congratulations to Kembla Joggers for incorporating the Kerryn McCann 10km run with the Fitness Five. This is a great tribute to a great athlete and to have this event named after her in her home town is sure to mean a lot to her family and athletic friends.
The Fitness Five held on the weekend was the first event Blue Stars athletes targeted for their winter series, and we encourage all members to take part in as many of these events as possible.