Our IBS Open men and women have had one of the best State titles for some time, and their performances last weekend have now ranked them among the best in the State. Leading the way was Open shot put champion Chelsea Lenarduzzi who now takes the laurel wreath after winning the State title for 2017. Chelsea will now prepare for the upcoming National titles, where she will defend her title and to see if she can win this event for the third consecutive year - a feat not many athletes have achieved.
Our male sprinters were in fine form and it is great to see the hard work pay off for these talented young men. As a group they are pushing one another and the club is proud of the team of Open men that have developed within the club, with a number of juniors following through behind them.
Kyle Grubnic’s win in the Open men’s B final of the 200m was a great run, and along with his 11th overall in semi-finals of the 100m, has given him a great championship. Club mate Lachlan Parry turned the tables and made the A Grade final of the 200m and came a creditable 7th in one of the closest 200m for some time. Parry ran a good 100m to be placed 17th overall in a time of 11.19, and 22.09 for the 200m. Kyle’s times being 11.09 for the 100m and 22.48 for the 200m.
U23 athlete, but also competing in the Open men, newcomer to the club, Joel Bottin-Noonan surprised himself when he ran a good 11.35 in the semi-finals of the 100m, a time that has now qualified him for the National titles U23 years, in his first year with IBS. He finished 6th in the U23 100m. Also U23 athlete, Connor Dymond has made the qualifying National marks for both the 110m hurdles to finish 5th in the Open title and take the bronze medal in the U23 division, with an impressive time of 15.89. He then backed this up with a 9th overall in the men’s javelin and taking out 6th in the U23, also qualifying for the Nationals U23 years in this event.
Chris Devery also contested the men’s Open 100m and 200m and after having a season of setbacks with injuries, he has run well in both events. His long jump at the recently held ACT titles was impressive but he did not contest this event at NSW state.
Stephanie Power succumbed to a foot injury and although she took to the track in the Open women’s 100m, she was disappointed the injury did not allow her to run at her very best.
We wish the members who have qualified for the National titles, the very best of luck.