The Contenders

Last the Australian Athletics Championships were held at Sydney Olympic Park. Two of our former students made the final of the 100m open championship - Jack Hale (SVC 2011-14) and Jacob Despard (SVC 2010-13).

Both had competed in Sydney Classic (March 12) and the Melbourne Classic (March 19) prior to the championships. In Melbourne Jacob won the 100 metres in the outstanding time of 10.11 seconds with Jack running 10.27 seconds for a fifth placing. In the Sydney Classic Jack finishes second (10.40 seconds) with Jacob filling the third place with 10.41 seconds.

At the championships, Jacob won his heat, and won the semi to progress through to the final.  Jack won his heat, but a third placing in his semi just saw him qualify for the final.  Jack managed a 4th placing, but was awarded the bronze medal due to one of the place getters being from overseas, while Jacob largely due to a very poor start came in 8th. 

Both athletes are still very much in contention to represent Australia this year at the World Championships to be held in Oregon (USA) form July 15-24 and at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham July 28 – August 8.