Capital Athletics hosted the ACT Under 20 and Open Championships at the AIS Athletics Field over the long weekend. The event attracted over 800 track and field competitors with some of the nation’s top athletes competing and Nowra athletes got themselves amongst the best.
On the Public Holiday Friday Alisha Mustapic kicked off Nowra’s program with the Under 20 400m hurdles, coming in 6th in 1.11.70. In the 800m, Will Dyball had an excellent run in the Opens event, crossing in 5th place with a new PB of 1.52.63. This run put him 20th from a hot field of 41 competitors.
In the women’s event, Amelia May ran well to finish 9th in her heat with 2.15.45 as she builds strength coming back from injury.
In the Under 20 event, Toby Dyball was 6th in 2.02.96 and Darcy Davis was 8th in 2.06.92.
On Saturday Alisha Mustapic contested the Under 20 400m sprint, having a strong run to finish 5th in her heat in 1.02.50. Airlie Stevens also had a great 400m run, taking out her heat in 1.04.23 whilst Erin Smart contested the opens 400m and finished 6th in her heat in 1.00.61.
Will Dyball backed up in the Opens 1500m after his 800m the previous night. Will led the field for the majority of the race and looked strong out the front. He was passed in the final stages of the race to take 2nd place in 4.04.47. In the same race, Nic McGill had a gutsy run to finish 7th in 4.14.16. 
Amelia May returned to the track in the 1500m and demonstrated grit to finish 11th in 4.40.49.
On Sunday, Erin Smart ran in the Opens 200m, and was 6th in her heat in 26.43.
It was great to see Nowra representing at such a quality competition.
Meanwhile in Sydney, Tom Brookes and Jonah Watson competed in the 400m hurdles event, held as part of the NSW Combined Championships. Tom was 5th in a time of 1.01.46 whilst Jonah was 10th with 1.04.87. Well done boys!