http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/highlights-in-the-women-s-events/ <p><strong>Sydney Track Classic - HIGHLIGHTS - Women’s Event</strong></p> <p>Qantas Australian Athletics Tour, Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre, 18 February 2012</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>100m</strong> (Olympic standard 11.29)</p> <ul><li>Melissa BREEN                      (ACTAS)                  PB 11.33                <ul><li>Representative 2011 World Championships &amp; 2010 Commonwealth Games</li> </ul></li> </ul><p>Melissa Breen chases the Olympic qualifying standard of 11.29. Two weeks ago in Perth she clocked a season’s best of 11.35. Olympic relay team places are also on the line.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>200m</strong> (Olympic standard 23.10)</p> <ul><li>Sally PEARSON                      (QAS)                      PB 23.02/22.66 windy <ul><li>2011 World Champion 100m hurdles, Olympic silver medallist</li> </ul></li> </ul><p>Sally Pearson missed the Olympic standard by 0.01 seconds in Adelaide clocking 23.11 into a strong 3.6m/s wind. In more favourable conditions, she should clock the Olympic standard (23.10) and break 23 seconds becoming the 15th Australian to break this standard.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>400m</strong> (Olympic standard 51.50)                  </p> <ul><li>Keshia BAKER                        (USA)                      PB 50.76 <ul><li>Gold 4x400m 2011 World Championships, Oregon, aged 24, ran 53.00 in Perth. </li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Joanne CUDDIHY                  (IRL)                        PB 50.73 <ul><li>Has a pb of 50.73 &amp; ran her 2011 seasons best of 51.82 in Daegu World Championships, aged 27, 1.84m tall, trains in Canberra during Australian summer, won in Perth 52.08</li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Pirrenee STEINERT               (NSWIS)                  PB 52.70 <ul><li>Representative 2011 World Championships &amp; 2010 Commonwealth Games, lives in Newcastle, fastest Australian this season.</li> </ul></li> </ul><p>A close race is expected and will assist Pirrenee Steinert to lower her personal best. Joanne Cuddihy’s 52.08 in Perth last weekend, was close to a four year best for her. Keshia Baker is favourite and will be faster than Perth as she recovers from jetlag.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>800m</strong> (Olympic standard 1:59.90)                              </p> <ul><li>Tamsyn MANOU                   (VIC)                        PB 1:59.21 <ul><li>2008 World Indoor 800m champion, last ran a sub-2 800m in 2008. Suffered a setback to her season when injured in November 2011. Won 800m in Perth, 2nd in Adelaide. Season best 2:03.20. 17 time Australian champion. Selected in 18 Australian/Oceania teams.</li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Kelly HETHERINGTON           (VIC)                        PB 2:02.46 <ul><li>Ran a personal best of 2:02.46 to win in Adelaide.</li> </ul></li> </ul><p>Tamsyn Manou is a favourite in Sydney and there should be a close race with Kelly Hetherington who comfortably won in Adelaide.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>1500m</strong> (Olympic standard 4:06.00)</p> <ul><li>Charlotte BROWNING          (GBR)                      PB 4:09.86 <ul><li>Aged 24, 2003 World Youth finalist, ran a best of 4:09.86 in 2010. Only a few races in 2011.</li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Zoe BUCKMAN                      (VIC)                        PB 4:05.06 <ul><li>Ran her pb late in the 2011 season. Finalist 2006 World Juniors. Won in Hunter and Hobart, 2nd 800m in Adelaide. </li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Susan KUIJKEN                      (NED)                      PB 4:05.86 <ul><li>Representative 2009 World Championships &amp; World Cross Country, studied at Florida State, NCAA indoor 3000m champion</li> </ul></li> </ul><p> </p> <p><strong>100m Hurdles</strong> (Olympic standard 12.96)</p> <ul><li>Sally PEARSON                      (QAS)                      PB 12.28 <ul><li>2011 World Champion 100m hurdles, Olympic silver medallist, ran 12.86 in Perth</li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Nai ALI                                    (USA)                      PB 12.73 <ul><li>Gold 2011 World University Games, 5824 heptathlete, ran 12.73 in 100 hurdles in 2011, leapt 1.86 in the HJ in 2011, born in Philadelphia. Ran 13.39 in Perth.</li> </ul></li> </ul><p> </p> <p><strong>400m Hurdles</strong> (Olympic standard 55.50)</p> <ul><li>Lauren BODEN                      (ACTAS)                  PB 55.25 <ul><li>Third best Aussie ever behind Debbe Flintoff (Olympic champ) and Jana Pittman (World Champ), ran seasonal best of 55.61 in Perth just outside the Olympic standard. </li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Jana PITTMAN                       (VIC)                        PB 53.22 <ul><li>2003 and 2007 World champion</li> <li>Last 400m hurdles races: 59.13 (31/1/12), 55.75 (1/4/11), 55.34 (15/7/09).</li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Christine SPENCE                  (USA)                      PB 54.21 <ul><li>Ran pb of 54.21 in 2008 and last season ran 55.90.</li> </ul></li> </ul><p>Lauren Boden just missed the Olympic standard in Perth and should nail the time here. Jana Pittman, raised in the Hills area of Sydney returns home and indicated by her recent form a sub 57 second run will be good progress towards London.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>5000m Walk</strong></p> <ul><li>Nicole FAGAN                       (NSWIS)                  PB 22:32.76 <ul><li>Representative 2011 World University Games </li> </ul></li> </ul><p> </p> <p><strong>High Jump</strong> (Olympic standard 1.95)</p> <ul><li>Liz LAMB                                (NZL)                       PB 1.86 <ul><li>2010 Commonwealth Games 6th, Commonwealth Youth Games champion</li> <li>Kaitlin MORGAN                   (TIS)                        PB 1.86 <ul><li>Australian representative 2009 World Youth Championships</li> </ul></li> </ul></li> <br/></ul><p><strong>Pole Vault</strong> (Olympic standard 4.50)</p> <ul><li>Alana BOYD                           (WAIS)                    PB 4.66m <ul><li>2010 Commonwealth Games champion, has leapt 4.61 and 4.66 in the last two weeks.</li> </ul></li> </ul><p> </p> <p><strong>Long Jump</strong> (Olympic standard 6.75)</p> <ul><li>Kerrie PERKINS                     (ACT)                      PB 6.66 <ul><li>Silver medallist 2006 Commonwealth Games, leapt fourth best ever (6.57) in Adelaide.</li> <li>Brooke STRATTON               (VIS)                        PB 6.60 <ul><li>Equal Australian junior record holder, leapt 6.51 in Adelaide.</li> </ul></li> </ul></li> </ul><p>Kerrie and Brooke are locked in a battle for the Olympic standard and in good conditions could approach 6.75m.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Discus Throw</strong> (Olympic standard 62.00)</p> <ul><li>Dani SAMUELS                      (NSWIS)                  PB 65.84 <ul><li>2009 World champion, youngest ever women’s world champion</li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Stephanie TRAFTON-BROWN             (USA)      PB 66.21 <ul><li>2008 Olympic champion, threw 61.71m in Perth</li> </ul></li> </ul><ul><li>Aretha THURMOND             (USA)                      PB 65.86 <ul><li>Three-time Olympian, threw 60.96m in Perth</li> </ul></li> </ul><p>Just 37cm separates their pbs and in Perth there was less than a metre between them. Expect another close competition.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Hammer Throw</strong> (Olympic standard 71.50)</p> <ul><li>Gabrielle NEIGHBOUR         (VIC)                        PB 66.31 <ul><li>Fourth 2010 Commonwealth Games</li> </ul></li> </ul><p> </p> <p><strong>Shot Put</strong> (Olympic standard 18.35)</p> <ul><li>Valerie ADAMS                     (NZL)                       PB 21.24m <ul><li>World and Olympic champion</li> </ul></li> </ul><p> </p> <p><em>David Tarbotton and Ron Bendall for Athletics NSW</em></p> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:36:31 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/highlights-in-the-women-s-events/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/the-hon-graham-annesley-mp-to-join-samuels-brwon-trafton-and-rudisha/ <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">MEDIA ALERT: The Hon. Graham Annesley MP to join Samuels, Brown-Trafton and Rudisha</span></strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>The New South Wales Minister for Sport and Recreation, <strong>the Hon</strong>. <strong>Graham Annesley MP</strong>, will be available to media with Sydney-sider <strong>Dani Samuels</strong> (NSW) and two international stars in reigning Olympic champion <strong>Stephanie Brown-Trafton</strong> (USA) and world record holder <strong>David Rudisha</strong> (KEN) at the <strong>Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre</strong> at <strong>9:00am AEDST</strong> on <strong>Friday, February 17.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>The media conference will be an opportunity to preview this Saturday’s Sydney Track Classic, the first of four elite athletics events which Destination NSW and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA), on behalf of the NSW Government, willsupport Athletics Australia in delivering.</p> <p> </p> <p>The partnership will also see Destination NSW and SOPA support the Australian Athletics Championships in 2013 and the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in 2012, 2014 and 2015, all to be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Who:</strong> <strong>        </strong><strong>       </strong><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>The Hon. Graham Annesley</strong> <strong>MP, </strong>New South Wales Minister for Sport and Recreation</p> <p><strong>Dani Samuels </strong>(NSW), 2009 discus world champion</p> <p><strong>Stephanie Brown-Trafton </strong>(USA), reigning Olympic discus champion</p> <p><strong>David Rudisha </strong>(KEN), 800m world champion and world record holder</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What:</strong><strong>               </strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>Interview and vision opportunities available</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Why:</strong>         </p> <p>To preview the Sydney Track Classic and formally announce Athletics Australia’s partnership with Destination NSW and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>When: </strong><strong>             </strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>9:00am AEDST, Friday, February 17</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Where: </strong><strong>            </strong></p> <p>Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>2012 NATIONAL ATHLETICS SERIES (Australian Athletics Tour in bold)</strong></p> <p>Brisbane Athletics Classic - Saturday, January 14 – QSAC, Brisbane</p> <p>Hunter Track Classic – Saturday, January 21 – Hunter Sports Centre, Newcastle</p> <p><strong>Adelaide Track Classic – Saturday, January 28 – Santos Stadium, Adelaide</strong></p> <p>Briggs Athletics Classic – Saturday, February 4 – Domain Athletics Centre, Hobart</p> <p><strong>Perth Track Classic – Saturday, February 11 – WA Athletics Stadium, Perth</strong></p> <p><strong>Sydney Track Classic – Saturday, February 18 – SOPAC, Sydney</strong></p> <p><strong>Qantas Melbourne Track Classic (IAAF World Challenge) – March 2 &amp; 3 – Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne</strong></p> <p> </p> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:26:10 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/the-hon-graham-annesley-mp-to-join-samuels-brwon-trafton-and-rudisha/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/olympic-and-world-champions-to-headline-sydney-track-classic/ <p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Olympic and world champions to headline Sydney Track Classic</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Entry lists for the <strong>2012 Sydney Track Classic</strong> are out and the track and field this Saturday, February 18 is set to be draped in gold.</p> <p>No less than three reigning Olympic and seven Commonwealth champions will joinfive world and two world indoor gold medallists as the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour continues to thrill audiences across the country.</p> <p>Leading the charge on the track are <strong>Asbel Kiprop</strong> (KEN, 1500m), <strong>David Rudisha</strong> (KEN, 400m), <strong>John Steffensen</strong> (WA, 400m),<strong> Sally Pearson</strong> (Qld, 200m, 100mH) and <strong>Tamsyn Manou</strong> (Vic, 800m).</p> <p>Australian Flame <strong>Collis Birmingham</strong> (Vic) and <strong>Craig Mottram</strong> (Vic) will be joined on the 1500m start line by Kiprop, who is the current Olympic 1500m champion. At the IAAF world championships in Daegu (KOR) last year he clocked 3:35.69 to add the world title to his extensive list of career highlights.</p> <p>His compatriot Rudisha will make a rare appearance in the men’s 400m against Australian stars including national champion <strong>Steven Solomon</strong> (NSW) and Commonwealth Games 4x400m relay gold medallists <strong>Sean Wroe</strong> (Vic), <strong>Ben Offereins</strong> (WA) and <strong>Kevin Moore</strong> (NSW).</p> <p>Once again opening his campaign for major championship glory Down Under, Rudisha has set the track ablaze in the two-lap event in recent years. The 23-year-oldlays claim to the world 800m record (1:41.01), the world 800m title and twoAfrican 800m titles from 2008 and 2010.</p> <p>The 2006 Commonwealth champion Steffensen rounds out the athletes in the hunt for men’s 400m glory and fresh off line honours at the Go for 2&amp;5 Perth Track Classic last weekend he will be one to watch.</p> <p>Pearson, the IAAF World Athlete of the Year and world 100m hurdles champion, will fly in the sprint and sprint hurdle events.</p> <p>In the women’s 200m, she will face off with her Australian Flame relay team mates in <strong>Charlotte Van Veenendaal</strong> (Vic), <strong>Hayley Butler</strong> (NSW) and <strong>Melissa</strong> <strong>Breen</strong> (ACT), while in the 100m hurdles American NCAA champion <strong>Nia Ali </strong>and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist <strong>Andrea Miller</strong> (NZL) will push her to the line.</p> <p>A 17-time national champion, Manou joins Adelaide Track Classic 800m winner <strong>Kelly Hetherington</strong> (Vic) in the women’s two-lap event.</p> <p>Meanwhile in the field, <strong>Valerie Adams</strong> (NZL, shot put), <strong>Stephanie Brown-Trafton</strong> (USA, discus), <strong>Dani Samuels</strong> (NSW, discus), <strong>Benn Harradine</strong> (Vic, discus), <strong>Fabrice Lapierre</strong> (NSW, long jump) and <strong>Alana Boyd</strong> (WA, pole vault) will shine.</p> <p>The Olympic champion, three-time world championships gold medallist, world indoor title holder, two-time Commonwealth champion and the Oceania record holder in the women’s shot put, Adams is arguably the most lauded athlete on the card in Sydney.</p> <p>She’s the red-hot favourite for gold in London and already this year she has thrown 20.35m and 20.19m for victory at meets at home in New Zealand.</p> <p>Brown-Trafton is the reigning Olympic champion, and together with 2009 world champion Samuels, she will duel with fellow Americans <strong>Sara Ackmann</strong> and <strong>Aretha Thurmond</strong> in the women’s discus, while Commonwealth champion and Oceania record holder Harradine will take to the circle alongside <strong>Russ Winger</strong> (USA), who to date lays claim to three victories over the Australian as well as a world lead heave across the National Athletics Series.</p> <p>On the runway, Boyd is set to push for the 4.72m Oceania record of <strong>Kym Howe</strong> (WA) after a 4.66m clearance for the highest ever recorded leap by an Australian outdoors in Perth. Lapierre, like Boyd, is the Commonwealth champion and the 27-year-old will be chasing an 8.20m Olympic qualifying jump.</p> <p> </p> <p>The Sydney Track Classic will be streamed live on <strong>Telstra Bigpond</strong> <a href="http://www.bigpondsport.com/Home/SummerofVideo/201112WorldofAthletics/tabid/612/Default.aspx">here</a> from <strong>6:00pm AEDST</strong>, this <strong>Saturday, February 18</strong>.</p> <p>The <strong>Nine Network</strong> will replay highlights of the event at <strong>1:00pm AEDST</strong> on <strong>Sunday, February 19</strong>, before <strong>Fox Sports 3</strong> continue coverage at <strong>10:30pm AEDST</strong> on <strong>Sunday, February 19</strong> and <strong>12:00 noon</strong> on <strong>Tuesday</strong>, <strong>February 21</strong>.</p> <p>Check your local guides in areas not within the AEDST region.</p> <p>For more information on the Sydney Track Classic, including entry lists and the event timetable, please <a href="http://www.athletics.com.au/home/competition/aat2012/aat_meetinfo/sydney_track_classic">click here</a>.</p> <p>For more information on the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour, please <a href="http://www.athletics.com.au/competition/aat2012">click here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>2012 NATIONAL ATHLETICS SERIES (Australian Athletics Tour in bold)</strong></p> <p>Brisbane Athletics Classic - Saturday, January 14 – QSAC, Brisbane</p> <p>Hunter Track Classic – Saturday, January 21 – Hunter Sports Centre, Newcastle</p> <p><strong>Adelaide Track Classic – Saturday, January 28 – Santos Stadium, Adelaide</strong></p> <p>Briggs Athletics Classic – Saturday, February 4 – Domain Athletics Centre, Hobart</p> <p><strong>Perth Track Classic – Saturday, February 11 – WA Athletics Stadium, Perth</strong></p> <p><strong>Sydney Track Classic – Saturday, February 18 – SOPAC, Sydney</strong></p> <p><strong>Qantas Melbourne Track Classic (IAAF World Challenge) – March 2 &amp; 3 – Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne</strong></p> <p> </p> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:23:03 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/olympic-and-world-champions-to-headline-sydney-track-classic/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/a-chance-to-chat-with-australia-s-best/ <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A Chance to Chat with Australia's Best</span></strong></p> <p>Australia's premier Track &amp; Field meet, the Sydney Track Classic, is ready to kick off next Saturday 18th Feb 2012 at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.</p> <p>To get the excitement building, some of Australia's best athletes set to compete are going to be available for a Twitter chat session on <strong>Wednesday 15th February</strong> via the official twitter hashtag <strong>#STCchat</strong>.</p> <p>From <strong>7-8pm</strong> ask any questions you might have to Australia's elite track and field stars, such as</p> <p>Dani Samuels (2009 World Champion, Discus)</p> <p>Tamsyn Lewis (2008 World Indoor Champion, 800m)</p> <p>Ryan Gregson (Australian and Oceania record holder, 1500m)</p> <p>Lachlan Renshaw (2011 World University Games Champion,  800m)</p> <p>Take advantage of this rare opportunity to discover the racing and training advice, tips and secrets of some of the world's best.</p> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:38:53 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/a-chance-to-chat-with-australia-s-best/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/celebrities-take-to-the-track/ <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Celebrities Take to the Track</span></strong></p> <p>The <strong>2012 Sydney Track Classic</strong>, Australia’s premier athletics meet, is shaping up to be a star-studded affair in more ways than one.</p> <p>On the <strong>18^th February</strong> from 6pm, Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre will play host to the world’s best track and field athletes, from both Australia and around the world.</p> <p>But if this world-class competition wasn’t entertainment enough, Competitive Edge has organised a Celebrity Relay event that is shaping up to be a show-stopper.</p> <p>Fans and athletes from Little Athletic clubs through to masters will have the opportunity to compete in the relay teams of a number of well-known Australian celebrities, adding a touch of glamour to this night of track &amp; field competition.</p> <p>A man very familiar with the elite sprinting scene is <strong>Matt Shirvington</strong>, whose athletic experience at an international and Olympic level will make his team very hard to beat.</p> <p>However, this has not daunted the relay’s second celebrity figure, <strong>Michael Vella</strong>, who claims “Matt Shirvington is no competition”. As an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the NRL for the Parramatta Eels, represented NSW at state of origin level and played for Australia at the highest level, his confidence is justified.</p> <p>The same can be said for Australian professional rugby league football coach, player and legend, <strong>Brad “Freddie” Fittler</strong>. Not only had Fittler captained both New South Wales and Australia, but he  has achieved everything there is to achieve in the game, including the Golden Boot award as the world’s best player</p> <p>With statements that he is “training the house down”, <strong>Wendell Sailor</strong> is another rugby celebrity not to dismiss. But will these former professional athletes still have what it takes, or have they lost their killer competitive instinct?</p> <p>The ever-popular Bondi Rescue lifeguard, <strong>Andrew Reid</strong>, has confirmed his intention to take part, believing his physically demanding job and the fact that he runs 10km a day, will give him that competitive edge (see below for a Q&amp;A with Andrew).</p> <p>But let’s not forget the ladies! Channel Nine reporters <strong>Roz Kelly</strong> and <strong>Erin Molan</strong> are two of the three female representatives in this celebrity event, and have been training hard in determination to show the speed of the fairer sex.</p> <p>Last but not least is radio and TV personality, <strong>Renee Gartner</strong>, whose involvement with the Gold Coast Titans and the Fox Sports League Lounge means she definitely knows a thing or two about sporting competition. Gartner is definitely not overawed by her male opponents, sledging her opponents on Twitter and sending pictures to Matt Shirvington of her days as a junior track&amp; field athlete!</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Q&amp;A with Andrew Reid</span></strong></p> <p>Andrew Reid, a lifeguard on the popular Channel Ten TV show Bondi Rescue, is set to take part in the Celebrity Relay Event at the 2012 Sydney Track Classic on 18^th February.</p> <p><strong>1. What made you accept the challenge to be part of the Celebrity Relay event at the 2012 Sydney Track Classic?</strong></p> <p>To get the chance to not only support our track athletes heading over to London but to also run on the same track as them is an honour in itself. How could I say no?</p> <p><strong>2. Do you know who is in your team, or who you will be up against?</strong></p> <p>I’m not sure who is in my team yet but I do know I am up against some very quick men and women from all walks of life. I just got news Big Dell is running, I'm not worried but. Just another over the hill footy player who's only training is putting sauce on his meat pie!</p> <p><strong>3. Do you have any experience in track &amp; field competition, or is this completely new for you?</strong></p> <p>When I was a kid I used to get my mum’s broom and try pole vault our family dog, does that count?</p> <p><strong> 4. What training are you/have you been doing to prepare for the relay?</strong></p> <p>I have been doing plenty of sprint work on the treadmills up at Shift60 on Bondi Rd as well as watching slow motion videos of Shirvo (Matt Shirvington) running to perfect my sock packing technique.</p> <p><strong>5. Do you plan to practice with your relay team before the event?</strong></p> <p>Probably not, as I still don't know who they are. I have a secret plan though, I intend on having both my 12 and 14 year old runners drinking red cordial concentrate 20mins before the start.</p> <p><strong> 6. Do you do much running training to keep fit for you lifesaving job? If so, what do you do?</strong></p> <p>Many people don't know but I also work as a Recycle loader 5 mornings a week. It involves running between 8-10 km a day, so that keeps me in pretty good shape.</p> <p><strong>7. What aspect of the relay are you most looking forward to? Running in front of a crowd, being part of a team, finishing??</strong></p> <p>I am really looking forward to beating all these other wanna be challengers to the title in front of a big crowd. I’m especially looking forward to handing Roz Kelly a hand full of dust when she eventually crosses the line, hopefully everybody hasn't already headed home by the time that happens.</p> <p><strong>8. What aspect of the relay are you most dreading? The baton change?</strong></p> <p>Waiting... I’m dreading having to wait for every other team to finish. I hope Athletics Australia can organise some chairs for my team at the finish line.</p> <p><strong>9. How fast do you think/know you can run a 100m in?</strong></p> <p>I am easily a sub 10 second kinda guy. Wait what are we talking about.... ?</p> <p><strong>10. How do you feel running with/against Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington? Inspired, intimidated?</strong></p> <p>Definitely inspired! The guy is a sprinting machine and I can’t wait to run past him like he is standing still :)</p> <p><strong>Best of luck Andrew! Athletics NSW will be cheering you on!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lifeguardreidy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://lifeguardreidy.blogspot.com</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewreidframes" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewreidframes</a></p> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:09:33 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/celebrities-take-to-the-track/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/boyd-and-steffensen-thrill-home-crowd-in-perth/ <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Boyd and Steffensen Thrill Home Crowd in Perth</span></strong></p> <p><strong>Alana Boyd </strong>(WA) and <strong>John Steffensen </strong>(WA) have entertained a home crowd with convincing wins in the pole vault and 400m respectively at the second leg of the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour tonight, while <strong>Sally Pearson </strong>(Qld) returned to the hurdles.</p> <p>In front of a record crowd of 3600 at the Go for 2&amp;5 Perth Track Classic, Boyd continued her impressive domestic campaign, bettering the then personal best of 4.61m she set at the Adelaide Track Classic two weeks ago with a 4.66m clearance. No Australian woman has gone higher outdoors in the pole vault ever, with <strong>Kym Howe</strong> having recorded 4.65m in Germany five years ago to previously hold the best mark.</p> <p>Boyd entered the competition at 4.35m, which was the height <strong>Vicky Parnov </strong>(WA) cleared to claim second place, while her sister <strong>Liz Parnov </strong>(WA) cleared a world junior championship qualifier of 4.25m for third.</p> <p>Boyd said: “It’s pretty good, I can’t complain and it’s nice to actually have a five centimetre PB rather than a one centimetre PB. It’s all coming together, I was a little bit shaky on the runway tonight but hopefully I can fix that for Sydney and jump higher.</p> <p>“The Australian record is there, I know it. I think that’s why I was so frustrated because I know it’s there. I just have to go back and have some more jumps this week, and work on my jumps technically. Hopefully it will happen.</p> <p>“I think it’s been working for me because I’ve been relatively injury free after coming back from Daegu, which is a nice change not coming back from an operation. I guess that the disappointment of missing the final in Daegu spurred me on and I’ve done a lot more jumping than I’ve done before.”</p> <p>This race was Steffensen’s first since July last year and the former Commonwealth champion showed his intention from start to finish in lane two, eventually crossing the line in 46.11.</p> <p>The reigning national champion, <strong>Steve Solomon </strong>(NSW), crossed the line behind Steffensen in 46.26 while <strong>Ben Offereins </strong>(WA), who was victorious in Adelaide, came third in 46.49. Trailing the Australian trio was <strong>Greg Nixon </strong>(USA), who was part of the gold medal winning 4x400m team at last year’s world championships.</p> <p>Steffensen said: “The proof was in the pudding and that’s what you want, athletes to perform well.</p> <p>“I went back to basics, times two, if that makes any sense. I worked very, very hard and established, through my team, a great self-belief and belief is everything in track and field.</p> <p>“I’ve just worked even harder and that’s the key and whenever you have great support in life that’s the key.”</p> <p>Pearson returned to her first hurdles race since last September and she didn’t fail to impress, with a comfortable win in 12.86 (+0.4m/s). The time was almost an exact repeat of her opening 2011 run, also in Perth, of 12.85.</p> <p>The world champion was followed across the line by American NCAA champion <strong>Nia Ali </strong>(13.39) and New Zealander <strong>Andrea Miller</strong> (13.48).</p> <p>Earlier in the evening Pearson clocked 11.28 (+0.4m/s) to win the 100m, <strong>Melissa Breen</strong> (ACT) took second place (11.53).</p> <p>Pearson said: “I couldn’t get my strides right, I think I tripped and the fifth or sixth hurdle almost came down but it showed I’m strong enough to keep going.</p> <p>“I have Sydney next week so it’s good to get one race out and it was a good run, I thought I’d run close to 12.60 or 12.70. I just had to keep focused tonight.”</p> <p><strong>Henry Frayne (Qld)</strong> looked to be in superb form in the men’s triple jump and on second round attempt he leaped to a new personal best of 17.14m (+2.5m/s). He was unable to improve that mark with his remaining jumps but undoubtedly views the Olympic qualifying standard of 17.20m as well within his reach.</p> <p>He said: “That was agonizingly close. It may have been an illegal wind for the big jump but it was a legal following wind when I went 17.09m, which is good. But overall it was a PB and a step in the right direction.</p> <p>“That’s the first tail wind over 1 m/s I’ve had in about a year or over a season and a half. I was pretty satisfied with those conditions.</p> <p>“I may jump in Sydney next week in the long jump though. But after that it will be Melbourne and I’m looking forward to hopefully going to those extra six centimetres.”</p> <p>Reigning Commonwealth champion <strong>Tosin Oke</strong> (NGR), who has been training with Frayne while in Australia, finished in second place in 16.15m (+0.1m/s), while there was also a huge personal best for <strong>Adam Rabone</strong> (Vic), in third, with a 15.94m (+1.7m/s).</p> <p>Reigning Olympic champion <strong>Stephanie Brown-Trafton</strong> (USA) was the leading name in a discus field, which included three Americans and former world champion <strong>Dani Samuels </strong>(NSW).</p> <p>Brown-Trafton led the competition from her first throw of 61.60m and then secured the win with a final heave of 61.71m. The 31-year-old was followed by compatriot <strong>Aretha Thurmond </strong>(60.96m) and Samuels<strong> </strong>(60.74m).</p> <p>Brown-Trafton said: “It’s awesome. I’ve been having a great off-season and this is my first meet since last year’s Diamond League. I feel like this year is going to be pretty cool.</p> <p>“I had a good throw today and I’m looking forward to next weekend in Sydney. I’m just so excited that I could come to Perth and have this awesome weather. Perth is beautiful, I love the west Australian coast.</p> <p>“My aunt lives in Tasmania so I hopefully get to go see her and some family. I love athletics in Australia and all the meet coordinators; they’ve always been really good to me. So it’s just a great place to open up.”</p> <p><strong>Russ Winger</strong> (USA) and <strong>Benn Harradine</strong> (Vic) also continued their rivalry in the discus with the Commonwealth champion looking to avenge two prior defeats to the American this Australian season </p> <p>Winger had led the competition until Harradine looked to have stolen the win with his penultimate season best throw of 63.40m. However, the 27-year-old American pulled out a massive 65.46m with his final attempt to finish ahead of Harradine and also take the world-lead.</p> <p> In other highlights:</p> <p>- Former US pole vault champion <strong>Mark Hollis</strong> (USA) entered at 5.35m and it would be his only recorded height, but enough to win with <strong>Joel Pocklington </strong>(Vic) behind him in 5.15m</p> <p>- <strong>Brendan Cole</strong> (ACT) entered the home straight just leading <strong>Justin Gaymon</strong> (USA) in the 400m hurdles but the American powered through to cross the line first in 50.21 with Cole in second (50.60)</p> <p>- <strong>Lauren Boden </strong>(ACT) edged ever closer to an Olympic qualifier as she dipped under the 56-second barrier for the first time this season to win in 55.61. <strong>Sarah Carli </strong>(NSW) and <strong>Tessa Consedine </strong>(Vic) added to their list of world junior qualifiers with 59.10 and 59.66 respectively</p> <p>- In the women’s long jump <strong>Brooke Stratton</strong> (Vic) recorded a world junior qualifier of 6.43m to finish second, behind <strong>Kerrie Perkins</strong> (ACT) who won in 6.45m</p> <p>- <strong>Melissa Breen </strong>(ACT) went one better in the 200m to cross the line first in 23.76 (-0.5m/s), followed by <strong>Hayley Butler </strong>(NSW) (23.80). World youth championship finalist <strong>Monica Brennan </strong>(Vic) finished fourth in a world junior championship qualifier (24.03)</p> <p>- <strong>Brenton Rowe </strong>(AUT) won the 1500m in 3:39.11 followed by <strong>Jordan Williamz </strong>(Vic) (3:39.91) and <strong>Nick McCormick </strong>(GBR) (3:41.54)</p> <p>- <strong>Fabrice Lapierre </strong>(NSW) won the long jump with a third-round leap of 7.81m</p> <p>- <strong>Anthony Alozie</strong> (Vic) made up for the disappointment of being disqualified at the Adelaide Track Classic two weeks ago, by winning the 100m in Perth (10.37 +0.7m/s). <strong>Isaac Ntiamoah</strong> (NSW), who won in Adelaide, finished second in 10.43 and <strong>Nick Hough</strong> (NSW) ran a PB, as well as a world junior championship qualifier of 10.47.</p> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:32:25 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/boyd-and-steffensen-thrill-home-crowd-in-perth/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/rudisha-to-run-the-400m-at-sydney/ <p><strong>The return of David Rudisha</strong></p> <p>Last year, David Rudisha's campaign to become world champion began in Australia and so the Kenyan superstar is hoping a return visit to Sydney and Melbourne, for the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour, will put him on the path to Olympic glory.</p> <p>Set to face off with the green and gold’s one lap masters across 400m at the Sydney Track Classic before taking to the start line for the 800m at the Qantas Melbourne Track Classic andNomination Trial, Rudisha is excited about the prospect of heading Down Under.</p> <p>Rudisha said: "Australia has been good to me for the past two years in my preparation, so I am happy about returning there again. The people are friendly, the meets are good and it works as a very good start to my year.</p> <p>"This year we of course have the Olympic Games and that is the big focus for all athletes, but I want to runwell throughout the year.”</p> <p>Rudisha opened his 2011 season with a blistering 1:43.88 across 800m at the IAAF Melbourne Track Classic and thenbacked up with 1:44.80 in Sydney two weeks later.</p> <p> He was unbeaten in Europe leading into the 2011 IAAF world championships. In Daegu (KOR) he won his heat (1:46.29) andsemi-final (1:44.20) in resounding fashion before taking home the gold medal in 1:43.91.</p> <p>A season best and world lead performance of 1:41.33 closed out his year at the IAAF World Challenge meeting in Reiti (ITA).</p> <p>"My personal best in the 400m is still from when I ran in Sydney two years ago, so I'm hoping that I can maybe lower that time. People have asked me if I will run on our 4x400 relay team, at the moment all I can say is that anything is possible but the focus for me is the 800m. Having won the World Championships I of course want to add that Olympic title.</p> <p>"I hear the Qantas Melbourne Track Classic is also the Olympic trials for the Australian athletes, so perhaps I can help push their top athletes to some quick times."</p> <p>Rudisha is the current world 800m champion, a two-time African 800m champion and the winner at three Diamond League events across two-laps. He is, also, the world and African 800m record holder.</p> <p>IAAF World Athlete of the Year Sally Pearson, 2009 world champion Dani Samuels and Commonwealth champion Fabrice Lapierre will lead the Australian charge against international starters including Stephanie Brown-Trafton (USA, discus), Kara Patterson (USA, javelin), Greg Nixon (USA, 400m) and Valerie Adams (NZL, shot put) in Sydney.</p> <p> </p> <p>The 2012 Sydney Track Classic will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Saturday, February 18 from 6:30pm.</p> <p>Tickets are available via sydneytrackclassic.com &lt;<a href="https://shopdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?orgId=1715">https://shopdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?orgId=1715</a>&gt; .</p> <p>The Qantas Melbourne Track Classic and Nomination Trial will feature all championship events across March 2 and 3 and double as Round 1 of the IAAF World Challenge on the Saturday evening at the new home of Victorian athletics Lakeside Stadium.</p> <p> Tickets are available at Ticketmaster &lt;<a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/IAAF-Melbourne-Track-Classic-tickets/artist/1668438">http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/IAAF-Melbourne-Track-Classic-tickets/artist/1668438</a>&gt; .</p> <p> </p> <p>2012 NATIONAL ATHLETICS SERIES (Australian Athletics Tour in bold) Brisbane Athletics Classic - Saturday, January 14 – QSAC, Brisbane Hunter Track Classic – Saturday, January 21 – Hunter Sports Centre, Newcastle Adelaide Track Classic – Saturday, January 28 – Santos Stadium, Adelaide Briggs Athletics Classic – Saturday, February 4 – Domain Athletics Centre, Hobart Perth Track Classic – Saturday, February 11 – WA Athletics Stadium, Perth Sydney Track Classic – Saturday, February 18 – SOPAC, Sydney Qantas Melbourne Track Classic (IAAF World Challenge) – March 2 &amp; 3 – Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p> </p> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:31:00 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/rudisha-to-run-the-400m-at-sydney/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/breaking-news-a-few-of-the-big-names-released/ <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breaking News: A few of the big names released!</span></strong></p> <p>Australia’s premier athletics meet, the Sydney Track Classic, will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Olympic Athletics Centre on <strong>Saturday 18th February</strong> from 6pm.</p> <p>The night is shaping up to be a show-stopper! Fans will have the opportunity to compete in a celebrity relay with stars such as Matt Shirvington (Australian Olympic sprinter), Roz Kelly (Channel Nine Reporter), Erin Molan (Channel Nine Reporter), Bondi Rescue lifeguards, and Brad Fittler (former professional rugby league coach and player).</p> <p>The field on-the-track will also be a star-studded affair, with the following big-name international athletes confirmed to compete – Greg Nixon (USA, 4x400m relay team gold medalist at the 2011 World Championships); David Rusdisha (Kenya, 800m world record holder); Valerie Adams (New Zealand, reigning Olympic, World and Commonwealth Champion in the shot put); and Stephanie Brown-Trafton (USA, Olympic discus champion). Australia’s best athletes, including Dani Samuels, John Steffensen, Jana Pittman-Rawlinson, Sally Pearson, Ryan Gregson and Jeff Risely will also be competing.</p> <p>This world-class event is only 3 weeks away, and tickets are selling fast. Take advantage of our Athletics NSW Members offer before <strong>Friday 3rd February</strong> to secure your discounted ticket.</p> <p><a href="https://shopdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?orgId=1715">https://shopdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?orgId=1715</a></p> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:47:45 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/breaking-news-a-few-of-the-big-names-released/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/proud-katherine-upstages-big-names/ <p>Shortly after arriving in a stretch limo and being introduced to the crowd, a quality discus field got down to business at Saturday night’s Hunter Track Classic. World champion <strong>Dani Samuels</strong> (Westfields/NSWIS), World Championship finalist <strong>Benn Harradine</strong> (VIS) and American <strong>Ross Winger</strong> attract much attention but it was a former Newcastle athlete, now based at the AIS, <strong>Katherine Proudfoot</strong>, who stole the show.</p> <p>An almost certain started at the London Paralympics, Proudfoot, an F36 classification athlete, threw a world of 26.81m on her third throw.</p> <p>The 2012 Hunter Track Classic reached new heights as an attractive all round show of fun, entertainment and good action.</p> <p>“I think the vibe was there,” Meet Director <strong>Scott Westcott </strong>said.</p> <p>“The big names came out and they had fun. I think the crowd got into it and enjoyed the meet and from most accounts the athletes are happy and relaxed and put on a good show. We are never going to compete with Sydney and Melbourne. Our role is to provide a good regional meet that athletes enjoy coming too.”</p> <p>Winger threw the longest distance on the day with his sixth round effort of 60.21m, followed by Samuels’ 59.03m, ahead of the silver-suited Harradine who threw 58.37m.</p> <p>“I was actually pretty pleased for my first meet in January to go 60m,” Winger said.</p> <p>“There was bit of a tail wind which doesn’t help and I had a couple of decent fouls.”</p> <p>Winger is in line for Olympic selection in both the shot and discus.</p> <p>“I think my world ranking is better in the shot, but I’m more consistent in the discus,” he said.</p> <p>“Actually in the discus I just started to figure things out last year and had a couple of good competitions. The shot is very strong in the States right now, but anything can happen.”</p> <p>Samuels threw her best in Round 4.</p> <p>“Conditions and atmosphere were fantastic and I felt fantastic in my warm-up, so I was disappointed with the distance compared with how I felt,” she said.</p> <p>“My furthest throw today didn’t feel great at all, so I guess that is a positive.”</p> <p>Attracting less attention was the good performance by <strong>Taylah Sengul </strong>(Hills). The Commonwealth Youth Games gold medallist raised her personal best to 51.11m and impressively exceeded the World Junior Championships qualifying standard of 47.50m on all six throws.</p> <p>Proudfoot has excelled under the coaching guidance of former decathlete Aaron Holt and javelin thrower Emily Nolan.</p> <p>``Their patience, enthusiasm and expertise have been critical to both my enjoyment of throwing and the improvements I have made this year,’’ Proudfoot said.  ``I am very excited to have broken the world record. I broke it unofficially a few months ago so it is really great to have repeated the performance at a meet where it can be officially recognised.</p> <p>``The previous record was set at the Beijing Paralympics so I have been chasing it for a few years now. Quite apart from breaking the record, to have thrown over 26m at two meets is really important in the lead up to the Paralympics as it gives me the confidence that I am developing the consistency to throw the distances I will need to medal in London. I would also like to thank all the dedicated people at the Australian Institute of Sport, Athletics Australia and the Australian Paralympic Committee who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything is in place to facilitate good performances. I'm looking forward to the opportunity of competing again at the Sydney Track Classic in February.’’</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">MEN’S 1500M</span></strong></p> <p>A strong field lined up in the men’s 1500m, but it was teenager <strong>Jordan Williamsz</strong> (VIS) who claimed the win in 3:39.74, ahead of national half-mile champion <strong>James Kaan</strong> (UTS Norths/NSWIS) 3:40.30 and British Commonwealth Games medallist <strong>Nick McCormick</strong> 3:40.80. There was big personal best by half-mile specialist <strong>Lachlan Renshaw</strong> (Sydney Uni/NSWIS) 3:42.13. Mingara 20-year-olds <strong>Josh Wright</strong> (3:44.68) and <strong>Cameron Page</strong> (3:45.13) clocked personal bests while teenager <strong>Jesse Beadman</strong> (also Mingara) was within two second of a world junior qualifying in a time of 3:49.19.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">FAREWELL TAMSYN (LEWIS) MANOU</span></strong></p> <p>After winning the 400m, <strong>Tamsyn Manou</strong> (VIS) announced what many had been afraid of was inevitable.</p> <p> “I’m so sorry this is it. This is my last year,” she said in a post race interview.</p> <p>With that short statement the curtain has begun to close on the career of the one of the sport’s best athletes. But she will always remain one of the sports’ great ambassadors.</p> <p> “As you can see tonight, there are some great girls coming through, so I don’t think I’ll be needed,’’ she said.</p> <p>But Manou’s perfect exit from the sport has not gone exactly to plan.</p> <p>“I’ve had a weird preparation with six weeks of rehabilitation in November, so I felt a little under prepared tonight,’’ she said.</p> <p>``I did pool sessions and all that boring stuff, but managed to hold my fitness.</p> <p>“Definitely the 800m is the goal for London. I know I’m not in great shape yet due to the injury. I’m lucky I have an unreal coach who does the worrying and I do the running.’’</p> <p>How will she go next week in Adelaide in her season 800m debut?</p> <p> “I don’t know. I didn’t know what I was going to be able to give tonight, but I’m happy with it. I can’t tell you until next week – I’m training all right, nowhere near my best but it’s OK.”</p> <p>In her season debut on Saturday night she won in 53.14, ahead of local <strong>Pirrenee Steinert</strong> (Macquare-Hunter/NSWIS) 53.57 and <strong>Caitlin Pincott</strong> (QAS) 53.70.  </p> <p>Manou had supportive words for Steinert.</p> <p>“She is a good athlete and a hometown favourite here. I know she didn’t win today, but the way she ran that race and attacked it, her times will come down later in the year.”</p> <p>Steinert was puzzled by her performance.</p> <p>“I’m not sure how it was. I think I went out really well but I just didn’t expect what happened in the last 100m when I died. I’ll get a lot out of the race finding out what I did, and didn’t do, and I’ll learn from that for next time.”</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">MEN’S JAVELIN</span></strong></p> <p>One of the best events in Australia this season has been the men’s javelin. Most opened their season last week in Brisbane, but it was a different result in the Hunter on Saturday night.</p> <p>Last week, <strong>Hamish Peacock</strong> (TIS) was the winner with 77.34, and a week earlier on the Gold Coast <strong>Josh Robinson</strong> (Qld) nailed a throw of 78.24m. On Saturday night, <strong>Matt Outzen</strong> (Westfields/NSWIS) claimed the spoils with a fourth round winning throw of 78.16m, ahead of Robinson (76.81m), American Mike Hazel (76.16m) and Peacock (76.01).</p> <p>Outzen, who has battled injuries over the last few years, looks capable of surpassing his personal best of 79.41m and along with Peacock and Robinson, reaching the Olympic standard of 82.00m and joining the preselected <strong>Jarrod Bannister</strong> in London.</p> <p>In fifth place was <strong>Elliott Lang</strong> (Asics Wests) who nailed four World Junior Championships qualifying throws topped by a personal best of 68.75m. He is in a four-way battle for two World Junior places with Victorian Luke Cann (67.73m),  Queenslander Willie White (72.65m) and WA’s Cruz Hogan (67.56m).</p> <p> ``Considering I had surgery on my knee in September and the preparation I had leading into the competion I am rapt with the way that I threw,’’ Outzen said. ``There are more meters to come in the upcoming events. Once I get more work into my full run up I think my series will be more consistant. Missing all of last seson due to injury it was great to be back with such a competitive field, and to win. I am stoked. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and chasing that Olympic  dream.’’</p> <p> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">SPRINTS AND HURDLES</span></strong></p> <p>A comfortable winner of the men’s 400m was Central Coast’s Matt Lynch (Mingara) in a personal best time of 46.45.</p> <p>“Relief,” was how Lynch described his result.</p> <p>“My first 400 two years ago was 46.6 then it was a torn my hamstring and a broken leg. I couldn’t get back down there. Hopefully it will just keep coming now.”</p> <p>It was a good time in the not ideal conditions.</p> <p>“It was tough coming home. At Mingara we always train with a wind down the back straight; so with a tail wind down the back straight tonight I probably went out too hard!”</p> <p> Starring in the sprints and hurdles was <strong>Nicholas Hough</strong> (Hills/NSWIS) with two World Junior Championshipqualifying performances in the 200m and 110m hurdles. In tricky conditions Hough ran 13.81, outside of his personal best of 13.73, but well under the Barcelona standard of 14.10. In the 200m he was second to Queenslander Andrew McCabe 21.29 to 21.31, ahead of 2010 Delhi 4x400m relay gold medalists Kevin Moore (Mingara/NSWIS) 21.39 and Sean Wroe (Vic) 21.66.</p> <p>Coach Anthony Benn was happy with Hough’s performances considering his light preparation due to HSC and final year school commitments. The former King’s School student has just been accepted to do an IT/law double degree at Sydney University.</p> <p> In the men’s 100m, <strong>Tim Leathart</strong> (Sydney Pacific) won his third consecutive race in 2012 running 10.57 into a headwind.</p> <p>“I think technically it was the best race I've done ever,” said Leathart who is running himself into London Olympic relay selection contention.</p> <p>“I started well and the rest of the race just came together. Even though it wasn't the fastest I've run this season it was a really positive win.</p> <p>“I've been working on my starts a lot at training because it’s something I've always struggled with and I think I've begun to finally get it right. I just want to get races under my belt where I am running well.”</p> <p>Coach John Patchett was pleased with Leathart’s effort. ``He normally doesn’;t get a great start,’’ he said.</p> <p>Another athlete putting herself into London Olympic relay selection contention is <strong>Jess Knox</strong> (UTS Norths). The 33-year-old now in her career best form clocked 11.94 into a strong headwind as she streeted the 100m which included two internationals <strong>Chrystal Attenborough</strong> (Qld) and <strong>Laura Whaler</strong> (Macquaire Hunter/NSWIS).</p> <p>“Last night wasn't as quick as I'd have liked but my body gave into a virus this week so despite not feeling 100 per cent I'm not disappointed as it was a nice boost in confidence to still pull off a win with a respectable time into a headwind,” said Knox.<br/> “After my run at Blacktown (11.60s) and then backing it up in Brisbane last week I'm so excited by how things are going. I can't give enough credit to Penny Gillies and Brice Johnson for the way they've coached me over the last six months.”</p> <p>Knox was slow away, nursing a tight hamstring. However she exploded to the lead halfway down the straight to win easily. She withdrew from the 200m as a precaution against in juring her hamstring.</p> <p>AIS training partners <strong>Brendan Cole</strong> and <strong>Lauren Boden</strong> won the 400m hurdles and both impressed with times of 50.41 and 56.14 respectively.</p> <p>“I made some mistakes  but it’s my first race over 400m hurdles this season and  I think it is my fastest opener. I felt quite good finishing off, so I’m really happy with it,” Cole said.</p> <p>Asked about his 4x400m relay team prospects for London he said: “I’ve run some good relay legs in the past, unfortunately I don’t do many flat 400s, so it’s hard to pick me over the guys that always runs 400s.”</p> <p>Boden used the race as an opportunity to try a new stride pattern.</p> <p>“I tried something a bit different today. Because it was windy down the back I tried a couple of 14s (strides) which worked well. It is always good to try new things so when you can come across any conditions and you will be all right.”  Her usual stride pattern is 15s to the seventh or eighth hurdle.</p> <p>“It was faster than my runs last week, so I’m getting better with each race,“ she said.</p> <p>“There is definitely more than a second improvement there,” which is all she needs for an Olympic qualifier.</p> <p>“I’m trying to get that qualifier and a pb this season; I think we are well on the way.”</p> <p> Behind Boden were four juniors who are vying for World Junior Championship selection. Second was <strong>Tessa Consedine</strong> (Vic) in 59.13, third <strong>Sarah Carli</strong> (Kembla Joggers/NSWIS) 59.90, fourth <strong>Sara Klein</strong> (Asics Wests) 60.52 and sixth <strong>Chloe Jamieson</strong> (AIS) 62.34.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">MIDDLE DISTANCE</span></strong></p> <p>Australia’s rising 1500m star <strong>Zoe Buckman</strong> (VIS) won her favorite event in 4:09.26 ahead of <strong>Georgie Clarke</strong> (Vic).</p> <p>“I’m really happy with that today, a good hit out,” she said. “The pacemaker did her job and it was good to get a feel of racing on the track.” Her winning time broke the meet record which Clarke set 10 years ago. There were good performances by NSW athletes, half-miler <strong>Sianne Toemoe</strong> (UTS Norths/NSWIS) in a pb of 4:24.83 and teenage cross country representative <strong>Celia Sullohern</strong> (Macquarie Hunter) in 4:29.16. </p> <p> In the men’s 800m, <strong>James Gurr</strong> (UTS Norths) continued his tremendous season form winning at leisure in 1:48.77.</p> <p>“It just didn’t click today. I felt a little flat and the conditions weren’t ideal. It is another run under the belt,” he said.</p> <p>“This was my third straight week of hard training and maybe it has caught up with me a little bit.” Once again Gurr had to make all the front running in the second lap after the pace-maker dropped out.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">OTHER  ACTION ON THE NIGHT:</span></strong></p> <ul><li>Women’s Hammer: <strong>Gabrielle Neighbour</strong> (VIC) won easily (65.24), teenager <strong>Danielle McConnell</strong> (TIS) recorded another World Junior Championship qualifier 56.38m </li> <li>Women’s high jump: NSW’s <strong>Trudy Thompson</strong> raised her pb by 1cm to clear 1.87m. She continues to chase the Olympic standard of 1.95m. </li> <li>Men’s high jump exhibition: <strong>Nick Moroney</strong> (Macquaire Hunter) won with a clearance at 2.08m </li> <li>Women’s triple jump: <strong>Linda Allen</strong> (Vic) leapt an excellent 13.55m while three NSW athletes placed behind her continue to chase World Junior Championship qualifiers: <strong>Josie Nichol, Amy Pejkovic and Natalie Apikotoa</strong>.</li> <li>Women’s shot: <strong>Kim Mulhall</strong> (VIS) won with 15.10m from NSW’s <strong>Taylah Sengul</strong> who recorded a 37cm personal best of 14.47m, just 3cm short of a World Junior Championship qualifying performance.</li> <li>Men’s shot: Commonwealth Games representatives <strong>Dale Stevenson</strong> (VIS) and <strong>Emanuele Fuamata</strong> (SAM) putted 19.11m and 18.65m ahead of American <strong>Russ Winger</strong> 18.62m.</li> <li>Women’s 200m: a surprise winner was Victoria’s <strong>Kendra Hubbard</strong> in 24.44.</li> <li>Little Athletics challenge:  ACT won the teams competition.</li> </ul><p><em>David Tarbotton and Ron Bendall for Athletics NSW</em></p> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:01:22 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/proud-katherine-upstages-big-names/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/athletics-australia-invites-you/ <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Athletics Australia Invites You…</span></strong></p> <p><em>With the 2012 National Athletics Series, incorporating the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour, now in full swing, Athletics Australia are thrilled to announce two fantastic opportunities to come together and celebrate track and field with friends, fellow coaches, officials and athletes.</em></p> <p><em>We look forward to welcoming you!</em></p> <p><strong>2012 Blue and Gold Athletics Luncheon</strong></p> <p>All supporters of Australian Track &amp; Field Athletics are invited to join Sydney University Athletics Club members and guests for an afternoon of fine dining and athletics-focused entertainment on Friday 17^th February 2012.</p> <p>The venue, WatersEdge Restaurant, Pier One, 11 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay provides not only a spectacular, but panoramic view of Sydney Harbour from the Bridge across to Luna Park at Milsons Point.</p> <p>The 2012 ‘Blue &amp; Gold’ Athletics Luncheon is taking place the day before the Sydney Track Classic, an event that attracts the cream of local and international competitors.</p> <p><em>Date: Friday, 17 February 2012</em></p> <p><em>Time: 12:00pm<br/> Venue: Waters Edge (Hickson Road, Walsh Bay)</em></p> <p><em>Cost: $150 per person</em></p> <p><a href="http://athletics.com.au/home/fanzone/johnlandy_lunchclub/suac_blue__gold_luncheon_booki">For more information, and to book, please click here.</a></p> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:01:07 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/athletics-australia-invites-you/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/us-stars-throw-out-hunter-challenge/ <p>The Hunter Track Classic this Saturday night will be vital in the preparation of many athletes with Olympic aspirations.</p> <p>With the Olympic trials in early March, time it ticking for athletes to record qualifying performances and impress the national selectors.</p> <p>The presence of American throwers Mike Hazle and Russ Winger enhances already strong domestic fields in the shot, discus and javelin events. On the track the men’s 1500m and women’s 400m look the most interesting.</p> <p> <strong>Mike Hazle</strong>, 32, a World Championship and Olympic Games<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><strong>javelin</strong> representative, will be challenged by a good domestic field, fresh from a quality competition in Brisbane on Saturday night. Tasmanian <strong>Hamish Peacock</strong> and NSW’s <strong>Matt Outzen</strong> are in promising form following throws of 77.34m and 75.75m, compared with Hazle’s season opening throw of 74.05m. Hazle, who has thrown seven times over 81m and had a 2011 best of 81.09m should be capable of approaching those distances in Newcastle. The one to watch will be Brisbane’s <strong>Josh Robinson</strong>, on the comeback after a break. This 80m thrower opened his season with 72m in Brisbane and will be looking to improve in Newcastle. Local interest will surround former national champion, <strong>Ben Baker</strong> who has a best of 77.13m.</p> <p> <strong>Russ Winger</strong> (USA) will be ideal competition for Australia’s rising <strong>shot put</strong> star <strong>Dale Stevenson</strong> (Vic), who is the country’s third best ever with a personal best of 20.05m. Winger, who has 10 career putts over 20.50m, reached 20.94m last season. Sydney-based Samoan, <strong>Emanuele Fuamatu</strong>, is in career best form following a putt of 19.40m last month. Paralympic hopeful, <strong>Guy Henley</strong> will be aiming to raise his best of 11.75m.</p> <p> In the <strong>discus</strong> Winger may have a tougher battle to beat World Championships finalist <strong>Benn Harradine.</strong> Winger’s has a best of 66.04m, while Harradine set a national record of 66.45m in 2010. World women’s champion, <strong>Dani Samuels</strong>, a 65m thrower, will also line up in the quality field and will ensure a close three-way battle.</p> <p> The men’s <strong>1500m</strong> field has been boosted by the inclusion of Great Britian’s Commonwealth Games 1500m finalist <strong>Nick McCormick</strong>, 30, who has a personal best of 3:35.74 and last season competed at the European Indoor Championships. The main interest will be on how <strong>James Kaan</strong> opens his 2012 domestic season. The national 800m champion looks to be chasing Olympic selection in the longer 1500m. <strong>Jeremy Roff</strong>, who finished a few places behind McCormick at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, will be looking for a good start to the season. Others of interest include half-mile specialist <strong>Lachlan Renshaw</strong> and a rejuvenated <strong>James Nipperess</strong> thanks to the new challenge of the steeplechase. Teenage Victorian <strong>Jordan Williamsz</strong>, with a personal best of 3:40.96, will be competitive. The biggest improver this season has been the former Australian junior 1500m/5000m champion <strong>Cameron Page.</strong> A Central Coast athlete, Page has slashed his personal bests this season including a stunning solo 13:54.41 in the 5000m.</p> <p> The women’s <strong>400m</strong> is a tremendous field with half the field owning personal bests faster than 53.4 and the remainder under 54.3. Fastest is <strong>Tamsyn Manou</strong> (nee Lewis), who always runs well in the hometown of her mother Carol, a national high jump champion. But she will face a tough challenge from <strong>Pirrenee Steinert</strong>, the home town favourite, who after missing most of the 2010/11 season due to injury, has run herself into top form Last month she clocked a 200m personal best and her third fastest 400m time. Two Queensland Caitlins, at the opposite ends of their career, also provide quality competition. Teenager <strong>Caitlin Sargent</strong>, won silver in the 2011 nationals, while <strong>Caitlin Pincott</strong>, 29, is looking to add Olympic selection to her tremendous career which has seen her run at two World Championships, the World Cup and win a Commonwealth Games gold.</p> <p> NSW’s powerful sprint stocks will be out in force at Hunter. In the men’s <strong>100m</strong>, <strong>Tim Leathart</strong>, who has twice run 10.48 this season, will challenge <strong>Isaac Ntimoah</strong> a two-time World Championships representative. But greatest interest will surround the return to his home of <strong>Josh Ross</strong>. Australia’s third fastest 100m runner ever at 10.08, Ross, now based in Melbourne, will return to the area where he was raised and developed into one of Australia’s finest ever sprinters.</p> <p> Central Coast Commonwealth Games 400m gold medallist, <strong>Kevin Moore</strong>, faces quality competition in the men’s <strong>200m</strong>. The fastest Australian this season, Qld’s <strong>Andrew McCabe</strong> and NSW’s best, <strong>Nick Hough</strong>, 18, who last season was the first Aussie to cross the line in the Sydney Track Classic 200m, will lead the charge.</p> <p> <strong>Other leading events and stars include:</strong></p> <ul><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">800m</span></strong>: can anyone challenge <strong>James Gurr</strong> after his great early season win in Brisbane in 1:47.31?</li> <li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1500m</span></strong>: Last season, at just 21, ACT’s <strong>Zoe Buckman</strong> clocked 4:05.06, the third fastest 1500m in Australia history. Can she clock an Olympic A standard of 4:06.00 in Newcastle?</li> <li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">400m hurdles</span></strong> men and women: World Championships training partners have nearly identical tasks to qualify for the London Olympics. <strong>Brendan Cole </strong>and <strong>Lauren Boden</strong> both have personal bests exactly 0.15 under the Olympic standards of 49.50 and 55.40 respectively. They will also try to impress selectors with their 400m speed to earn relay selection. </li> <li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">High jump</span></strong> women: Three World Junior Championships team aspirants, Tasmania’s <strong>Katilin Morgan</strong> and NSW pair <strong>Amy Pejkovic</strong> and <strong>Emily Crutcher</strong> will be battling for just two team places this season.  </li> <li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">High Jump</span></strong> men: A legend of the sport and local athlete, <strong>Nick Moroney</strong> will aim to continue his amazing longevity here. Moroney has leapt 2.10m for the last 22 years, since 1990, and in Newcastle will be looking for that height for his 23rd consecutive season.</li> </ul><p> <strong>Other feature of the meet are:</strong></p> <ul><li>A prize money pool of $10,000 for athletes.</li> <li>A Little Athletics under-14 teams competition.</li> <li>A junior coaching clinic the following day.</li> </ul><p> First event starts at 4.30pm. Ticket prices are: General admission - $10, child (U/16) - $5 and gold reserve seating - $15</p> <p>More information is available on: <a href="http://huntertrackclassic.com.au/">http://huntertrackclassic.com.au/</a></p> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:59:59 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/us-stars-throw-out-hunter-challenge/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/a-competitive-edge-at-the-sydney-track-classic/ <p>Fans will have the opportunity to compete in a celebrity relay and take to the track the same evening that some of the world’s best athletes compete, on February 18 at the Sydney Track Classic.</p> <p>Hayden Knowles, managing director of Competitive Edge, is leading the charge to find the celebrities to captain the relay teams and his company will also work with Athletics Australia to ensure the Sydney Track Classic is a meet not tobe missed at Sydney Olympic Park.</p> <p>Knowles brought the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, to Sydney in 2010 to compete in a celebrity relay and has been involved in the ever-popular Gatorade Bolt’s Fastest Man in Football.</p> <p>He said: "We enjoyed great support from the President and CEO of Athletics Australia when holding the All Stars meet where our mission was to inspire and entertain.</p> <p>"Continuing on that mission what better way to be inspired than in an Olympic year at Sydney Olympic Park, 12 years after the likes of Dani Samuels and Fabrice Lapierre had an Olympic dream here in their own city watching the likes of Cathy Freeman, Jai Taurima and Matt Shirvington, amongst others, represent Australia with pride.</p> <p>"After this meet there will be kids who realise they could be an Olympian one day and chase their dream the same way the likes of Dani Samuels, Mitchell Watt, Sally Pearson, Steve Hooker have done and athletes like local Sydney sider Hayley Butler are chasing on the night itself.</p> <p>"The celebrity relay will be something special, fans in the lead up will win opportunities to step on the track, they will experience a priceless opportunity to join some of the highest profile fan friendly celebrities in Australia.</p> <p>“The night will be special, it will be fun, it will also be a chance for Sydney to get behind Australia's best athletes before London and see a very opportunity to see some of the best athletes in the world in their own town.”</p> <p>Dallas O’Brien, Chief Executive of Athletics Australia, added: “We are looking forward to working with Hayden and his company. He has a group of outstanding athletes within the All Stars, all of whom will have an undoubted impact on the Sydney Track Classic.</p> <p>“Celebrity relays are always fan favourites and I am sure Hayden will deliver some great names and consequently an entertaining concept.</p> <p>“Hayden is correct to acknowledge that next year is an opportunity for our athletes to inspire future generations, and what better way than to see them in the flesh in Sydney, before they head to London.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Tickets for the Sydney Track Classic on 18 February are available now at sydneytrackclassic.com &lt;<a href="http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/">http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com</a>&gt; .</p> <p> </p> <p>For more information on the Australian Athletics Tour please go to <a href="http://www.athletics.com.au/">www.athletics.com.au</a></p> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:00:00 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/a-competitive-edge-at-the-sydney-track-classic/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/american-gold-medallist-to-add-400m-spice-to-2012-tour/ <p>Olympic relay silver medallist <strong>John Steffensen</strong> (NSW) says the 400 metres will be one of the standout events on the 2012 Australian Athletics Tour due to the depth of domestic competition.</p> <p>The proof of the class of competition, Steffensen believes, lies in the fact that athletes such as American <strong>Greg Nixon</strong>, who was part of the gold medal winning 4x400m relay team at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu (KOR), want to come to Australia to race.</p> <p>Nixon will compete in Perth on 11 February and in Sydney on 18 February. </p> <p>The former world indoor champion can expect a battle on the track against <strong>Ben Offereins</strong> (WA) and Steffensen as well as rising star <strong>Steve Solomon</strong> (NSW).</p> <p>Steffensen said: "I know Greg well, we've run against each other a couple of times. The Americans traditionally produce strong one-lap athletes, which always makes them a threat in both the individual and the relays.</p> <p>"But in Australia we have always had a lot of depth in the 400m so domestically we’ve always been fine. I think the internationals and Americans want to come and race because that depth helpsthem too, it’s competition for them.</p> <p>"So you know, it all makes for a real tasty 2012 Tour because there are several Australians looking to out-run each other.</p> <p>"I love racing in front of a home crowd and I love putting on a show for all the people who come out. Who knows what I’ll be wearing this year.</p> <p>“I'm also looking forward to racing at the new track in Melbourne as Olympic Park was never a place I really liked to run.I’ve heard a lot of good things about it so and there’s nothing better than a fresh start.”</p> <p>The former Commonwealth champion finished third at the 2011 Australian Championships, behind Offereins and Solomon, who ran a personal best to win.</p> <p>Steffensen then struggled with injury throughout the remainder of the season, but with a solid block of training already under his belt the 29-year-old is confident he can impress in 2012, with a spot on a third Olympic team his goal.</p> <p>He continued: "I had a tough year with injury this year, but you know I'm feeling fit now and have been training really hard in Los Angeles so things are good. </p> <p>"I'm hoping to come back to Australia next year and show people straight away the kind of form I'm in. I am determined to do everything I can to make sure I am fit to compete in my third Olympics and make Australia proud. </p> <p>"With <strong>Jeremy Wariner</strong> (USA) having spent a lot of this year injured and <strong>LaShawn Merritt</strong> (USA) serving a drug ban, no-one has really dominated this event.</p> <p>“<strong>Kirani James</strong> (GRN) has shown he's an exceptional talent while LaShawn has come back from his ban and shown his class, but it will be interesting to see ifanyone can show some consistency next year.”</p> <p>With the IAAF having lowered the A-qualifying standard to 45.30, and Athletics Australia having adopted this as their mark, competition will be fierce for London.</p> <p>Steffensen and Offereins formed half of the 4x400m relay team who won bronze at the 2009 world championships in Berlin (GER), and while they will hope to team up again in London they will spend the domestic season as rivals.</p> <p>Solomon impressed on his senior debut at the Australian Championships this year, winning the event in a personal best of 45.58. The 18-year-old made his Flame debut at the IAAF world championships as part of the 4x400m relay team.</p> <p>Also part of that team, and looking for an individual spot in London, is Commonwealth silver medallist <strong>Sean Wroe</strong> (VIC).</p> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:22:16 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/american-gold-medallist-to-add-400m-spice-to-2012-tour/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/nine-network-fox-sports-and-telstra-bigpond-to-broadcast-2012-tour/ <p>Athletics Australia is excited to announce the <strong>Nine Network, Fox Sports</strong> and <strong>Telstra Bigpond</strong> as its broadcast partners for the 2012 Australian Athletics Tour.</p> <p>Providing unprecedented access to track and field as the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games continues, the Nine Network will replay Tour action from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne less than 24 hours after it happens before ongoing highlights on Fox Sports across the summer.</p> <p>“We couldn’t be happier with this announcement, it’s a fantastic outcome for athletics fans and vitally important as we continue to develop the commercial viability of our organisation,” said <strong>Dallas O’Brien</strong>, Athletics Australia Chief Executive.</p> <p>“As official broadcaster of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Nine Network are the perfect telecast partner on free-to-air television and with continuing replays across Fox Sports there are ample chances to catch up on what’s happening with Australia’s best athletes.”</p> <p>Delivering the action to athletics fans live, Telstra Bigpond will stream all four Tour meets via its online television channel, Sport TV, available online, on mobiles and IPTV.</p> <p>“It is great to have a live Tour stream made available as it provides a chance for Australians to watch the best athletics action available as it happens,” O’Brien continued. </p> <p>“Athletics Australia is acutely aware of the developing online television platform and we are thrilled that Australia’s premier provider in Telstra Bigpond are on board and working with us as we aim to deliver it.”</p> <p>Additional information, including all confirmed broadcast times and commentary teams, will be announced early in the New Year.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>CHANNEL NINE - AUSTRALIAN ATHLETICS TOUR BROADCAST DATES</strong></p> <p>Adelaide Track Classic – 1:00pm AEDST, Sunday 5 February</p> <p>Perth Track Classic – 1:00pm AEDST, Sunday 12 February</p> <p>Sydney Track Classic – 1:00pm AEDST, Sunday 19 February</p> <p>IAAF Melbourne Track Classic (Day 1) – 1:00pm AEDST, Saturday 3 March (Time TBC)</p> <p>IAAF Melbourne Track Classic (Day 2) – 1:00pm AEDST, Saturday 10 March (Time TBC)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>TELSTRA BIGPOND – AUSTRALIAN ATHLETICS TOUR BROADCAST DATES</strong></p> <p>Adelaide Track Classic – Saturday 28 January (Time TBC)</p> <p>Perth Track Classic – Saturday 11 February (Time TBC)</p> <p>Sydney Track Classic – Saturday 18 February (Time TBC)</p> <p>IAAF Melbourne Track Classic – Saturday 3 March (Time TBC)</p> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:44:50 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/nine-network-fox-sports-and-telstra-bigpond-to-broadcast-2012-tour/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/2012-hunter-track-classic-set-to-entertain/ <p>Thursday 13^th December saw the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale play host to the 2012 Hunter Track Classic Launch.</p> <p>The rock concert feel to the launch provided a preview of what one can expect of the Hunter Track Classic on January 21^st, with a red carpet, pop songs and glamorous outfits all part of the entertaining proceedings.</p> <p>Commonwealth Games gold medalist Benn Harradine was the star of the show, and was accompanied to the stage by iconic Newcastle television personality Big Dog. Not only do Harradine’s impressive athletic achievements make him a huge draw card, but Benn also aims to significantly contribute the entertainment aspect of the track and field meet.</p> <p>Stating that it is important “to entertain the crowd…and have fun”, Benn is looking forward to having the crowd involved in the discus event by allowing them to encroach onto the throwing arena. This will provide valuable motivation for the throwers as they target the Olympic qualifying standards, with Harradine confirming; “That’s what makes us compete the best – having the crowd right there at the cage, clapping us in”. </p> <p>Hunter athletes Liam Gander (Men’s 4x400m relay team, 2011 World Championships), Laura Whaler (Women’s 4x100m relay, 2011 World Championships), Kevin Moore (2010 Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist in Men’s 4x400m relay) and Pirrenee Steinert (Women’s 4x400m relay, 2009 World Championships and 2010 Commonwealth Games) all added a further touch of glamour to the launch. They participated in a variety of entertaining publicity stunts, which saw them peel off party outfits to reveal their running gear, as well as signing autographs for enthusiastic fans<img class="left" src="http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/assets/HTC-Media-Launch.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/>.              (Left to right): Liam Gander, Kevin Moore, Laura Wheeler, Pirrenee Steinert and Benn Harradine</p> <p>In addition to their intent to thrill and entertain, the four athletes highlighted the importance of the meet to their achingly close bids to qualify for the London Olympics. Less than two months from the Australia Olympic Selection Trials and six months out from the 2012 Games, the Hunter Track Classic holds national significance with Olympic qualification on the line. Consequently, the event has attracted the likes of World Champion Dani Samuels, as well as world-class Australian athletes Tamsyn Lewis, Lauren Boden and Emanuele Fuamatu.</p> <p>The 2012 Hunter Track Classic will once again include colour commentary from the field, post race interviews, music, live results and spectators close to the action. New additions include a DJ on the ground, a men’s high jump shootout, a precision javelin competition with a cash prize, a R4YL Mass Participation 1000m Challenge, as well as a 1500m finale which will see the entire crowd move onto the track. Furthermore, in what will be an Australian first, Harradine will throw back-to-back with Samuels in a discus showdown.</p> <p>As the launch successfully signified, the 2012 Hunter Track Classic is set to be a night of both quality athletics and entertainment, with Benn confidently stating that it “is going to be a big evening, with some surprises coming out”.</p> <p> </p> <p>For further information and to purchase tickets, visit the Hunter Track Classic website <a href="http://www.huntertrackclassic.com.au/">http://www.huntertrackclassic.com.au/</a></p> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:31:25 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/2012-hunter-track-classic-set-to-entertain/ http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/the-2012-countdown-begins/ <p>It's official - the 2012 Sydney Track Classic website has launched, signaling the start of the countdown to this world class event.</p> <p> It's less than three months away, so mark the <strong>SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2012 </strong>in your diary!</p> <p> And to ensure you don't miss out, buy your ticket now to reserve a seat. Tickets are available to purchase at</p> <p><a href="https://shopdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?orgId=1715">https://shopdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?orgId=171 </a></p> Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:58:01 -0600 http://www.sydneytrackclassic.com/news-page/the-2012-countdown-begins/