There are sometimes in our sport where moments are defined and remembered for the magnitude of the achievement. And so it was on Saturday night when “Australia’s up-and-coming” middle distance talent, Luke Mathews claimed an 800m PB and importantly an A-Qualifier for the Rio Olympic Games in August in running a great race in 1:45.16 in finishing a strong second behind Olympic Champion and World Record Holder, David Rudisha a the Melbourne World Challenge.
There were plenty of SKAAC members on hand at Lakeside Stadium to support our three 800m starters at the Melbourne World Track challenge. Alex Rowe having his second race for the season finished 5th in 1:47.48 showing solid improvement from his 1:48.39 in Adelaide. Peter Bol running a brave race in the famous SKAAC colours, was on the pace for the first lap and three-quarters finished in 1:49.22. The 800m at the Nationals in Sydney in a few weeks will no doubt be one of the great races for athletics purists.
In the final race for the night was Sam McEntee in the 5000m. Has there been anyone in Australian Athletics in recent memory that has performed at such a high level, as Sam has on the 2016 Australian Circuit, with little or no fanfare? Well judging by his 13:33.73 on Saturday night (9 seconds quicker than his run at the Briggs Classic in Hobart) this is about to change and change quickly. He is well set, has some great Australian competition striving for the A-qualifier of 13:24.00, and certainly the top end speed as evidenced by his super run in the Victorian mile championship to be a chance to join Luke on the plane to Rio.
Get excited as in Luke Mathews, the club has it’s first ever Olympic qualified athlete and still plenty more chances for our other elite athletes to join him.
Go SKAAC.
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