Senior Illawarra Blue Stars athlete sprinter Kyle Grubnic has created history for himself and also the club when he contested the recently held Stawell Gift. Kyle has been a member of IBS since junior ranks and has showed outstanding talent throughout his career. He has excelled at long jumping, but over the past few years he has concentrated on his sprinting and it has certainly showed the talent of this young man. Having just missed the final of the State men’s 100m but winning the B division, he then went onto the Australian titles, only to miss the semi finals of the Open men’s 100m by the smallest of margins.
But Easter came around and a trip to Stawell has paid off for him. Known as the number one professional meet on the pro circuit, the Stawell Gift is one of the oldest sprint events in the land and attracts not only Aussie champs, but also overseas athletes. Many cannot beat the handicapper, an issue in itself in this event. Handicapped on recent performances, Kyle was well placed and his move from the heat to the semi finals, showed that he was going to be a force in the final.
Kyle finished a great 3rd placing in the major event conducted over 120m, but then backed this up with a win in the 70m and was then named the Overall Sprinter of the Meet, a great achievement for this popular young man. Not only has he created history for himself, but IBS has never had a placegetter in the major event at Stawell. Top line Master’s sprinter and former Open star sprinter John Van Stappen came close to making the semi finals of the 120m sprint, but no other athlete from the club has achieved this honour. Congratulations to Kylein finishing off a very good season on the track.
Meanwhile Mary Thomas cannot be stopped. After her great success at the World Indoor Titles, she has now headed to Auckland to contest the World Masters Games, an event that attracts athletes in a variety of sports. To add any wins in this event, will give Mary placings in all major athletic events head this summer.
Athletes are reminded to check their e-mails for the club’s final summer newsletter. Details of the club’s Annual Awards and Presentation evening to be held on Saturday evening, 20 May will be the major notice and all athletes are asked to be in attendance.