It was a huge weekend of athletics for Nowra athletes over the weekend of 12th-14th February.
Three local athletes travelled to Canberra to compete in the 2021 AACT CHAMPIONSHIPS. A record 700 athletes entered the championships, with many events equal to a nationals final, making it the best domestic track and field meet for 11 months. For Nowra, Cam Musgrove was first to take to the AIS track on Friday night, competing in the Opens 800m B race. Cam ran a well controlled race amongst a strong field to clock a PB of 1.52.91; just a hairs breath from first place Robert Dickinson who crossed in 1.52.88. Will Dyball then lined up in the Under 20 800m event and ran a 2 second PB although was unfortunately disqualified due to stepping on the line. Both boys returned on Saturday evening to contest the 1500m. Cam ran another strong race to earn another PB, clocking 3.58.36 in fifth place behind former Nowra member Arron Spiessberger-Parker who clocked 3.58.23.
Will was able to put the disappointment of the 800m behind him to run a great race, storming home in the last lap. Will moved from fifth to third in the closing stages of the race to take the bronze medal in the Under 20’s event in a PB of 4:11.07.
Meanwhile in the Sprinting arena, Lachlan Kaszonyi competed in in the Opens 100m. Lachlan finished fifth in his heat with a wind assisted PB of 11.05 (+2.9).
In NSW five Masters athletes, along with a dedicated cheer squad, travelled to Campbelltown for the 2021 NSW Masters Championships.
Erin Smart scooped the pool here with five gold medals. Erin won the 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m in the 35-39 years group. Erin also ran anchor for the 4 x 200m relay where, along with Joanna Davis, Maria Cimino and Renee Briffa they clocked an Australian record of 1.59.23.
Peter Dooley added another gold medal to his collection with a win in the 60-64 years 1500m in a time of 5.07.50 and Matt Reid took home a silver in his first Masters event with second place in the 30-34 years 200m in 26.09.
In the throwing circle Kerrie Jones, dubbed ‘gladiator of throws’, earned a host of medals. Kerrie speared gold in the 65-69 years javelin with a throw of 11.80m. Kerrie also took silver in the hammer, shot and weight throw, and then a bronze in discus with a throw of 14.60m. Also in the field Geoff Crook competed in the 60-64 years javelin event, and finished fifth with a throw of 29.71 metres.
What a weekend! Congratulations to all our athletes!