Bankstown Athletics Club hosted the Albie Thomas Mile event on Saturday 19th December at The Crest Athletics Track.
In what has been a challenging year, the final meet of 2020 provided some solid performances for our Nowra athletes.
Hot on the heels of his recent award, Cam Musgrove ran well for his season opener in the 800m B Race with a 3rd place in 1.54.72. This was just shy of his National Qualifier he ran at the end of last season so consistency is there. In the G Race Cooper Barrett finished 8th in 2.18.94 and in the D Race Will Dyball showed good form to finish 8th in 2.03.20.
In the sprints hardworking Lachlan Kaszonyi ran in 4th in the B Race of the 100m clocking 11.60, whilst in the 200m he took another 4th place, this time in the A race in 22.93.
Matt Reid made his competition debut for Nowra running in 1st in the 100m D Race in 12.90 and placing 3rd in the 200m D Race in 26.24.
In the feature event of the night former Nowra Athletics Club member Jye Edwards put behind him, years of injury to win the mile and defeat two of the event’s best.
Jye took the win in a quick time of 3.57.30 in front of Ollie Hoare who was the number four miler in the world in 2020 and three-time Olympian Jeff Riseley. Hoare finished in 3.58.26 and Riseley in 3.59.99.
Jye clocked sub-58 for the last lap, taking nearly three seconds from his PB, moving up to 32nd on the Australian all-time list as he became the 74th Australian to clock a sub-four minute mile.
“I’m in shock, I didn’t expect that,” said Jye who now runs for Bankstown Athletics Club. “I’ve watched this event for many years and always wanted to be part of it so to finally have everything lined up and I had a crack at it. I’m stoked.”
For those Nowra athletes who train with MNG, they were treated to a visit from Jye Edwards on Monday 21st December for their annual awards event. Jye provided some inspiring words and motivation for athletes, demonstrating that persistence and positivity does pay off. Despite being plagued by injury over the last few years, Jye has maintained his love of running and remained determined and focused. He has continued to put in the hard work and this has put him in strong shape. He said that believing in your training to get you through the race was his best advice for calming any pre-race nerves. He also shared some information about pre-race meals that support his performance; with raviloi being a great go-to the night before racing!
It was an honour to have Jye visit his old Club and participate in the awards event.
