In a stunning Australian National Championships for SKAAC where 2 Gold and 3 Bronze medals were claimed, I think it is safe to claim this as our best result ever.
Gold
Luke Mathews stunning win in the Open 800m (1:46.71) in a race containing no less than 3 SKAAC competitors, was a war of attrition, with early leader Peter Bol, joined by Luke at the top of the straight for an epic battle with Josh Ralph of NSW. with 50m to go, Ralph had taken the lead and title looked his, until Luke unleashed a withering finish and with an excellent lung at the line had defended his title from 2015/2016 in fine style in a crack field. Luke’s win generating a level of media interest, sadly rarely seen, with a feature article in the Sunday Herald Sun. He now heads to the Jamieson at Scotch this Saturday and then to the US to continue the charge towards World Championships qualifiers for both 800m & 1500m.
Conor Fry was a sensational winner of the Under 20 400m Hurdles in 52.91, the first time a SKAAC athlete had dipped below 53 sec and in doing so breaking the Open Club record that had stood for 55 years. For those present, to witness the run, will carry the memory for many many years.
Bronze
Tristan Day’s season ended on a high with his first individual track national medal with Bronze in the Under 17 3000m (9:00.03). Tristan has taken his running to stunning heights in the last 24 months and this result is just rewards for his dedication, persisteance and effort both on and off the track to make the improvements necessary for success at National level.
Dylan Johnson peaked at exactly the right time for nationals with PB’s and Open Club records in both qualifying and the Final in Sydney. His leap of 15.79m (+1.2) in the final , good enough for Bronze and also setting the new SKAAC Open Club Record.
Alex Rowe has continued an amazing record finishing in the Top 3 of the National 800m Final for 6 seasons in a row. His Bronze this season added to 4 Silvers and 1 Gold in 2012-13.
To have 26 athletes qualified to represent themselves, their state and importantly the mighty SKAAC is an achievement that everyone can be justifiably proud of. To win 5 medals is icing on the cake.
Plenty of athletes made their national debuts and others have made their first national final, but the SKAAC presence in Sydney created a unique atmosphere that allowed everyone to perform at their best. Bring on 2017/2018.
The full list of results for SKAAC athletes can be seen below:-
Open
Dylan Johnson Triple Jump Qual 15.75m, Final 3rd 15.79 (+1.2)
Adam Pyke 1500m Heat 2nd 3:45.54 and Final 4th 3:53.74
Steve Knuckey 800m Heat 4th 1:50.22
Alex Rowe 800m Heat 1st 1:49.99 and Final 3rd 1:47.29
Peter Bol 800m Heat 2nd 1:50.24 and Final 8th 1:49.69
Luke Mathews 800m Heat 1st 1:49.37 and Final 1st 1:46.71
Michael Romanin 200m Heat 3rd 21.65 -0.8
Deluca Lawson-Matthew 400m Heat 5th 49.38 and Semi 8th 49.20
Jason Kozica 10000m Walk 9th 45:39.56
Kayla de Bondt 1500m Heat 4th 4:27.41 and Final 9th 4:33.22
Under 20
Conor Fry 400m Hurdles Heat 1st 53.39 and Final 1st 52.91
Under 18
Phil Borg 200m Heat 5th 22.38s, 400m Heat 4th 50.63s
Will Lewis 800m Heat 1:55. 1500m Heat 7th 4:01.61 and Final 11th 4:01.45
Under 17
Massimo Acquaro 100m Heat 8th 11.43 +1.7 and 200m Heat 4th 22.94s -0.8
Josh Collins 3000m Final 17th 9:21.20
Tristan Day 3000m Final 3rd 9:00.03
Under 16
Thomas Scroggie 800m Heat 5th 2:03.07 and Final 8th 2:03.83. 2000m Steeplechase Final 9th 6:39.79
Isabelle Collins 3000m Final 18th 10:49.53
Under 15
Luca Di Conza 3000m Final 10th 9:49.82
Matthew Kim 200m Hurdles Heat 3rd 30.27 +0.1 and Final 4th 29.37s
Daniel Doyle 100m Heat 5th 11.91s and 200m Heat 5th 24.22s +0.0
Under 14
Jett-Paris Bedelis Pole Vault 4th 1.80m
Lauren McGarry Hammer 5th 32.31 and Shot Put 14th 9.30m
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