Congratulations

Congratulations to Jacob Despard  (svc 2010-14) on his selection in the Australian team to compete in the 4 x 100m relay at the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo 13-21 September. However, he was unfortunately once again a victim of a baton change failure. 

Major highlights in Jacob’s athletic career

2013       Burnie Gift victory (as a 16 year old)

2018       Stawell Gift victory 

2022       Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 

2024       World Relay Qualifications in the Bahamas

2024       Olympic Games in Paris

Major overseas outcomes :

Birmingham: In with a medal chance in the final.  Disqualifation change 3. Jacob not involved as he ‘received’ at change 1’ and ‘passed’ at change 2

Bahamas: The team clocked a series of mid-38 second times and ran brilliantly at the World Relays in May 2024 where they secured a Paris Olympic berth for the Australian 4x100m

Paris: Running the second leg in the 4x100m heat in Paris, he helped the National team to 6th place missing the final by just 0.05 seconds. They would have won the other heat. The upside was they clocked 38.12 – an Australian record, that was first set in 1995 and equalled in 2012.

Tokyo: Qualified for the 4x100 final. In the final disqualified at Change 3. Jacob not involved as he ‘received’ at change 1 and ‘passed’ at change 2.