Our masters’ athletes are among the proudest and most respected athletes of the club, and what a week they had in McKay in the Oceania Masters Championship. Thrower Mary Thomas dominated her age bracket winning her hammer in a NSW record, shot with an Oceania and State record, discus in State and Oceania record, and javelin in NSW record and the Throws Penathlon in NSW and Oceania record. She also picked up 2nd in the Weight throw, also a NSW record. What a great result but club mate June Lowe was not going to be outdone with a massive 11 events and taking medals in all. Her performance has to be rated one of the best with 1st in Weight throw in NSW Record, 1st in hammer with a NSW Record, 1st in shot with a NSW record, 1st in discus, 1st in high jump with a State record and throws pentathlon, also a NSW record. June then took out 2nd in her hurdles, 3rd in 60m in a state record, 3rd in the 100m in a State record, 3rd in long jump, and 2nd in javelin, to give her one of the best championships of any athlete and wiping most of the women’s 65 years records off the books.
Andrew Rodda surprised himself with 3 bronze in 60m, 100m and 200m, and then teamed up in the 4 x 100m relay to take out 2nd. He also took out 2nd in the medley relay where he ran the 200m leg for the Australian team. Club mate, Colin Clarson competed well and came home with 3rd in 800m, 2nd in the 400m, and then rang the 800m leg in the medley relay to bring home the silver medal, a top meet for both men.
Rina Flynn was not coming home without a medal and competed well to take out 3rd in her 400m, and 2nd in the 800m, and then ran in the Australian Medley relay to take out the gold medal. She also finished 4th in the 200m, 5th in the 100m, and 5th in the discus.
What a way to commence the summer season and Illawarra Blue Stars will open the summer track and field season this Sunday 15 September, with Round 1 of competition (see website for events for round 1 at www.illawarrabluestars.com