2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian Cross Country Selection Trials were held at Stromlo Forest in Canberra on Friday 1st March. Harrison Baxter contested the U20 8km event as a member of the NSW team, where he finished 28th in 27:49. Harrison ran a strong race under very hot conditions and we congratulate him on his performance.
In Sydney, on Saturday 2nd March, under much cooler conditions, the NSW Masters Championships got underway and continued through to Sunday.
Sam Keogh competed in a massive program consisting of 12 events across both track and field where she collected 10 medals including 3 NSW State titles. Sam bagged gold in the 40-44 years triple jump with a leap of 8.81m and another gold in the long jump with 4.51m. Sam hurdled her way to gold in the 400m hurdles in a time of 1.14.77 and took silver in the 80m hurdles in 14.52. In high jump Sam cleared the bar at 1.30m for silver and in shot put, Sam threw 8.28m for bronze. Sam was also 4th in hammer with 19.43m and 5th in discus with 23.15m.
In the 40-44 years sprint events, Sam ran alongside Nowra team member Erin Smart where the 2 women both featured on the podium in each race. In the 60m, Erin took gold in 8.04 whilst Sam took silver in 8.47. In the 100m, Erin again won gold in 13.21 and Sam won silver in 14.00. Over 200m, Erin was the quickest with 25.77 and Sam was next fastest with a new PB of 27.84. Finally in the 400m, Erin crossed 1st in 58.97 to take the gold medal and Sam took bronze in a PB of 1.06.55. It was a fantastic to have these 2 wonderful athletes representing our Club in the same races and to both medal.
Kerrie Jones had a very successful competition in the field events, taking 3 golds and 2 silvers. Kerrie won gold in the 70-74 years hammer throw with 19.61m, gold in shot put with 6.64m and gold in weight throw with 8.53m. In discus Kerrie threw 15.71m for silver and she speared another silver medal in javelin with 13.37m. Kerrie was over the moon with her results . Her passion for athletics and her commitment to working on her technique has given her these wonderful, and well-deserved results.
Peter Dooley reigned supreme in the 65-69 years middle distance events, winning gold in the 1500m in 5.23.19 and backing up in the 800m with another win in 2.33.60. Pete worked hard in both races, maintaining his patience to be able to surge at the right time to take the wins.
In the 50-54 years 800m, Nowra was represented by 3 runners. Scott Armstrong and Gavin Dyball had another strong battle between them, reminiscent of Country Championships in January. Scott was first to finish for Nowra, taking 8th place in 2.24.76 whilst Gavin was hot on his heels in a new PB of 2.25.01 for 9th. Matt Watson had a great race for 13th in a SB of 3.14.32.
In the 50-54 years 1500m, Gavin Dyball was 6th in a new PB of 5.03.01 and in the 50-54 years 5000m Scott Armstrong was 5th in 19.23.79. Matt Watson contested the 50-54 years 200m and was 8th in 34.60, which was a new PB.
Matt Reid competed in the 30-34 years 400m – 800m double. In the 400m, Matt won the silver medal, crossing in 56.50 and in the 800m, Matt pocketed a 2nd silver medal with a PB time of 2.15.16.
Well done to everyone on an incredible weekend of competition.