The Australian National titles have seen some outstanding performances, not only from the open athletes but also from junior athletes who are the backbone of our sport in coming years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One of the largest programs on the calendar, the National titles have been held from under 14 right through to open men and women. Conducted at Homebush, the week-long program had some of the very best Australian athletes take part but it also gave junior athletes the opportunity of seeing some of their older "heroes of the sport" in action.
Illawarra Blue Stars had a strong squad and to make the final at these titles was a great achievement in itself. But there have been some disappointments also.
Hurdler Grace Adams didn't to make it to the start line due to an injury that has put her into a boot for at least 10 days, whilst promising high/long jumper Corey Williams was a late withdrawal due to shin injuries. Javelin champion, Alex del Popolo waited until the final minute but doctor's recommendations after an MRI on his back determined that he would not throw in these national titles.
Regardless, junior 400m athlete Elias Oldfield has performed at a high level and made the final of the under 15 men's 400 metres. Oldfield has competed well this season and to make the top 8 of the national is a great reward for this promising young athlete.
Brodie McCuskey can also be proud of her achievements with a final berth in both her 100 and 200 metres, under 15, to finish a close 6th in both events. She too is one of the club's bright young sprinters, along with Chelsea Ezeoke, who just missed the final of her 200 metres, but is improving with every run, and under 18 sprinter Lauren Percival, who also just missed the final of the hotly contested under 18 women's 100 metres. All three have shown they are among the best in the land with only 100ths separating the top bracket.
Lachlan Parry can hold his head high after competing well in his 100 metres heat. Although he didn't capture his best form in these titles, he did draw the national champion in Rohan Browning. Parry has represented his state many times in national titles and is still up with the top bracket of state sprinters.
Callum Brown is another young junior of the club and has competed well all season, but just failed to reach the final of the short sprint. Brown has recorded some great times over the 100 metres this season and is showing that he will be a strong contender over 100 and 200 metres for next season.
Disappointment can always come with injuries but to see world champion discus thrower, Danielle Stevens make an outstanding comeback after a horrific injury, makes our athletes feel proud of making the state team for the Australian national titles, and then look forward to moving along for future representation.
We congratulate our athletes making the state team for these national titles that has produced some outstanding athletic events, including the run of Rohan Browning over the 100metres.
COMING UP: Winter is upon us, and with the summer drawing to a close with the national titles, many are now gearing for a short break and then into the winter cross-country and winter track and field program. Blue Stars will present an exciting winter program with the first cross-country meet to be held on the Fairy Meadow course, meeting at the gazebo at Fairy Meadow Beach. This is possibly one of the easiest courses, and with distances over 2.5km and 5km, it gives the athlete the opportunity to ease into this winter program. Open to all athletes, of ability and all ages, athletes are asked to be at the venue for a 10am commencement, Sunday, May 16.
This will be followed by the first Round Track and Field Meet to be held on the Kerryn MCann Athletic Centre on Sunday, May23, commencing time being 10.30 first event. These winter track meets will be held over a four-series competition, and is open to any athletes, once again of any ability and any age. Come along see how you like the sport of track and field with events in first round of 60 metres, 150 metres, shot, walk, long jump, plus javelin for under 18, under 20, open and masters as an additional event. If time permits there will also be a 2 x 200 metres relay.
Great morning of track and field but cross-country will be offering some fabulous courses to test athletes of their fitness, endurance and just enjoying the runs over some terrific courses. The restructuring of the grandstand is taking place but we cannot advise at this stage when it will be completely finished, but we believe when finished it will benefit us all.
