What a week of athletics we have just witnessed. Over 3,500 athletes have taken part in the Australian Youth and Open Championships held over 8 days at the Homebush Centre. The youth at these titles have shown that Athletics in Australia is in a strong position if these young people continue in the sport, as they have shown that the potential of many in these age brackets is the best we have seen for many years. Let’s hope they continue on and develop into top line senior athletes and follow in the footsteps of the open athletes who took centre stage over the last few days.
Our IBS youth were outstanding up against the very best in the land. Hurdling sisters Ashlyn and Grace took honours in their events with both girls making their finals. Ashlyn finished a very close 5th in the girls U16 90m hurdles and then backed up to take out 7th in the 200m hurdles. Older sister Grace ran well to finish in 7th in the U18 100m hurdles final, whilst U17 400m hurdler Eve Way finished a very creditable 14th in her hurdles. Whilst on hurdles, Connor Dymond finished in 17th spot in the open men’s 110metres hurdles.
Young U17 sprinter, Emma Matthews had a top nationals and although she didn’t make it to her finals of the 100m and 200m (finished in 15th and 16th spot overall) she believed the experience was invaluable to her. Suffering a leg injury this wasn’t going to deter this young determined athlete taking part in her favourite events at national level. Another to fall to injury was high jumper Grace Shaw who finished in a good spot of 9th overall in the women’s U18 high jump, taken out by another local jumper in Rozie Tozer (well done to Rozie). This experience at such a level is more than valuable for Grace who came up against seasoned competitors.
Our open men came up against one of the best fields in the short sprints Australia has seen for some time. The men’s open 100m and 200m was so competitive they pushed one another to some of the best times on an overall basis. Lachlan Parry took out 6th in his heat that was won by final 3rd placegetter Jack Hale, whilst IBS Club mate, Kyle Grubnic took the 7th spot in the same heat. Both men should be proud to be part of what has been classed as the best field of male sprinters Australia has seen.
UNIVERSITY GAMES/ MASTERS AUSTRALIAN: ATHLETES USE MORNING OF SPRINTS AND THROWS
Some of the clubs athletes will now head back to Homebush to contest the Australian University Games, among them being Connor Dymond, Cameron Chisolm, Chris Devery and possibly Liam Ryan. Once again these titles are highly competitive and will be interesting to see how many of the athletes will back up from Nationals to compete again next week. Chisolm and Devery had a good track session on Sunday when they raced at the Morning of Sprints and Throws held by IBS last Sunday. Some excellent performances were recorded and good to see some of the outside masters coming down and using this event as preparation for their National titles to be held in late April. Star master athlete Darren Hughes used the meet for his preparation and travelling from Parramatta had a solid hit out over the 60m, 100m and 200m with close friend Todd Devery from the Blue Mountains pushing him all the way. Peter Verhius was also up there in the sprints as with newcomer to IBS Mark Harris who has shown massive improvement since coming into the club only a few weeks ago. Gianna Mogentale also had a good hit out over the short sprints and she too will be a force come the Masters National titles.
Athletes are reminded that the cross country season has commenced and a full program is on our web site together with the winter track and field meets to be held every 4th Sunday of the month commencing in May. For more details get in touch with us through our contact page on our website or phone 4262 8498.