The 2022 NSW Country Championships, held in Maitland, were the 78th edition. To Nowra, like most regional-based Clubs, the Country Champs are a favourite on the Summer athletics calendar.
For the history buffs, the first Country Champs event was held in 1939 at the Sydney Sports Ground. If you haven’t been, Country Champs are a relaxed, country community event where like-minded country athletes, share their love of athletics. For this writer, these were my 13th Country Champs I attended, and although I didn’t compete this year, I still very much enjoyed the event, appreciating the athletic friendships, admiring the athleticism, relishing the sportsmanship and sharing the celebrations of all achievements – big and small.
Erin wins 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m
There is no doubt that the stand-out performance of the meet came from Erin Smart. Erin started her program winning the 40-49 years 400m in a new ‘best on record’ time of 58.87. The previous best time recorded was a hand time of 58.9 set in 2003. Next up was the 100m. Erin took the win in 12.98, which was close to the best on record of 12.60, held by South Coast athlete, Gianna Mogentale from Illawarra Blue Stars. In the 200m, Erin was determined. She pushed hard around the bend and flew into the straight. Erin powered home to finish 1st in 25.94, taking the record from Gianna this time, which had been set in 2006 at 26.09. In the final event on Erin’s program, the 800m, Erin led the way, but had Kimberley Fletcher from Maitland, hot on her heels. In the closing 50 metres of the race, Kimberley moved out into lane 2 to make her move. She came up almost level with Erin and looked to pass. Both gritted their teeth and fought hard. The photos clearly show the sheer determination on their faces. The crowd was cheering and Nowra was certainly urging Erin on. As they neared the finish line, Erin dug deep and made a final surge, crossing the line ahead of Kimberley to take the win in a new best on record time of 2.23.03. Ironically the previous record of 2.23.36 was held by Kimberley, which she set in 2019. Kimberley was gracious in defeat but Erin’s true grit certainly paid off.
Max takes sprint double
Another superstar of the competition was Max Marshall who took the sprint double in the U15 age group. In the 100m, Max took victory in 11.96, just shy of the best on record performance of 11.69. This made him hungry for the 200m. He bolted out of the blocks, making ground around the bend then streaked away from his competitors down the straight, crossing the line in 23.45, breaking a 37-year-old record! The previous best on record performance of 23.50 was set in 1985 by Dubbo athlete Darrin Dennis! There is certainly a big future ahead of this naturally talented athlete!
Emily achieves National Qualifier
Emily McLaren raced up an age group and competed in the U16 2000m steeplechase, where she not only took gold but also clocked an Under 15 national qualifier with a time of 8.06.61. This was 9 seconds under the entry standards. Emily is always an enthusiastic and determined young athlete and we congratulate her on this wonderful achievement. Emily also took gold in the U15 90m hurdles, silver in javelin and bronze in discus, as well as placing 4th in 1500m and 5th in 3000m, where she again raced up an age group. What an all-rounder!
Nic makes his Country debut
Nicholas McGill is still relatively new to competition athletics and made his Country debut at Maitland. Nic took to the track in his first ever steeplechase, competing up an age group and earned himself a bronze medal to start his campaign. Nic added another bronze medal to his name with a 3rd place in the U15 800m and was also 4th in 1500m. What a great introduction to Country Champs!
Matt closes out the 78th edition of Country Championships
Matthew Watson competed in the 40-49 years 800m which was the very last event on the program of the Championships. Matt completed the two laps in 3.16.69 coming in 3rd to take the bronze medal, but it was the cheers of the crowd supporting Matt as he became the final competitor to cross the finish in the final event, which made this moment so memorable. Matt always gives his best, and epitomises the spirit of Country Champs so he deserved this moment in the spotlight. Matt also competed in the 1500m coming in 5th, and in the 400m, where he successfully managed not to trip over his untied shoelace and placed 5th.
