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athletics.com.au
2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS
MEDIA GUIDETAMPERE, FINLAND // 10-15 JULY
Acknowledgements
Edited by Athletics Australia.
Special thanks to the following for their support and contribution to Athletics Australia and the production of this publication:
Event by Event, Superlatives, and Biographies Compiled by David Tarbotton Reference material:Records – Ronda JenkinsRankings – Paul JenesAA historical results – Paul Jenes, Peter Hamilton, Fletcher McEwen, David Tarbotton and work from Bert Gardinerhttp://athhistory.sportstg.com/index.htm
Official Photographers ofAthletics AustraliaGetty Images
Image creditsGetty Images, VTWO
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2 3ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
3 Message from the President
5 Our Team
10 Timetable
17 Superlatives and Records
24 Event Previews
31 Athlete Profiles
CONTENTS
Congratulations to the 54 Australian athletes selected to compete at the IAAF World Under 20 Championships to be held in Tampere, Finland, 10th -15th July, 2018. The World Junior Championships have historically proven to be a strong breeding ground for our future track & field champions. The green and gold have a great record of success at this championships, with athletes such as Jana Pittman, Sally Pearson, Catherine Freeman, Dani Stevens and Tim Forsyth among the recipients of the more than 50 medals won in both individual and relay events across the history of the Championships. Boasting Commonwealth Games representatives Riley Day (100m & 200m) and Celeste Mucci (Heptathlon), Paralympian Jaryd Clifford (1500m), senior World Athletics Championships representative Ella Connolly (4x400m relay), national under-18 record holders Zane Branco (200m), Ashley Moloney (decathlon) and Katie Hayward (5000m walk) and Commonwealth Youth individual champions Carley Thomas (800m) and Alexander Kolesnikoff (shot), the squad includes 54 athletes competing in individual events , as well as the men’s and women’s 4x100m relay and women’s 4x400m relay teams. It’s a great honour to represent our nation, particularly at such a young age. We hope our athletes will cherish and enjoy the opportunity, but will also make these championships an important learning experience and stepping stone to senior international competition.
I gratefully acknowledge the invaluable support of the Australian Government through the Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Sports Commission. Their dedication to the improvement of athletics is unwavering and greatly appreciated. On behalf of Athletics Australia and the Australian athletics community, I wish the athletes, their coaches, family and friends the best of luck, not only for Tampere 2018, but also their future athletics goals.
Mark ArbibPresident, Athletics Australia
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
4 5ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS AUSTRALIAN TEAM
AUSTRALIAN U20 TEAM DETAILS
ATHLETE EVENT(S) STATE COACH
Tom Agnew 4x100m Relay ACT Matthew Beckenham
Joshua Azzopardi 100m, 4x100m Relay NSW Rob Marks
Zane Branco 200m, Long Jump, 4x100m Relay QLD Mick Hooper/ Bec Brice
Grace Brennan Long Jump ACT Philip Alchin
Abbey Caldwell 1500m VIC Gavin Burren
Jaryd Clifford 1500m VIC Philo Saunders
Ella Connolly 400m, 4x400m Relay QLD Gary Patterson
Lara Crouch 3000m QLD Jayden Russ
Callum Davies 1500m QLD Brian Chapman
Christian Davis 400m, 4x400m Relay VIC Anula Costa
Riley Day 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay QLD Donna Thomas
Jake Doran 100m, 4x100m Relay QLD Paul Di Bella
Sarah Eckel 1500m SA Adam Didyk
Kristie Edwards 4x100m Relay NSW Melinda Gainsford-Taylor
Brielle Erbacher 3000m Steeple QLD Jody Erbacher
Mia Gross 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay VIC Joe Gulli
Gary Haasbroek Decathlon VIC Steve Cain
Aiden Harvey Shot Put NSW David Bruce
Katie Hayward 10,000m Walk QLD Steve Langley
Caitlyn Hester Hammer Throw QLD Des Davis
Tamara Hotten 4x100m Relay QLD Gary Patterson
Harrison Hunt 4x100m Relay SA Dylan Hicks
Lauren Hyde-Cooling Pole Vault WA Paul Burgess
Lara Ilievski Javelin WA Grant Ward
Cara Jardine 4x400m Relay QLD Judith Jardine
Samantha Johnson 100m Hurdles QLD Mick Hooper
James Joycey Hammer Throw VIC Bruce Joycey
Talosaga Kia Discus Throw QLD Mick Moore
Alexander Kolesnikoff Shot Put, Discus Throw NSW David Bruce/Allan Sadul
Adam Kopp 4x400m Relay WA Brian Pozzi
Annamaria Leszczynska 400m Hurdles ACT Suzan Fulop
Nash Lowis Javelin Throw QLD Leslye Muller
Amelia Mazza-Downie 3000m VIC Nic Bideau
Montanna McAvoy 3000m Steeple QLD Jayden Russ
Cameron McEntyre Javelin Throw NSW Angus McEntyre
Conor McLoughlin Discus Throw QLD Grahame Pitt
Louise Mendes Hammer Throw VIC Demetri Dionisopoulos
Ashley Moloney Decathlon QLD Eric Brown
Celeste Mucci Heptathlon VIC Darren Clark
Jarmillia Murphy-Knight 400m Hurdles QLD Diane Sheppard
Harvey Murrant 400m Hurdles, 4x400m Relay VIC Joe Gulli
Camryn Newton-Smith Heptathlon QLD Ralph Newton
Nana Owusu-Afiyie 4x100m Relay VIC Tony Marsh
Clio Ozanne-Jaques 5000m QLD Ryan Vanhoy
Lachlan Raper 800m NSW Ben Liddy
Alexandra Roberts Javelin Throw QLD Brett Green
Jemima Russell 800m, 4x400m Relay VIC Peter Fortune
Ben Schmidtchen Long Jump QLD Gary Bourne
Kyle Swan 10,000m Walk VIC Brent Vallance
Carley Thomas 800m, 4x400m Relay NSW Penny Gillies
Declan Tingay 10,000m Walk WA Steven Tingay
Joshua Torley 10,000m ACT Paul Torley
Archie Wallis 800m VIC Sean Whipp
Lateisha Willis 100m Hurdles VIC Peter Benifer
6 7ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
8 9ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EVENT ATHLETES
100m Jake Doran QLD, Joshua Azzopardi NSW
200m Zane Branco QLD
400m Christian Davis VIC
800m Lachlan Raper NSW, Archie Wallis VIC
1500m Jaryd Clifford VIC, Callum Davies QLD
10,000m Joshua Torley ACT
400m Hurdles Harvey Murrant VIC
Long Jump Ben Schmidtchen QLD, Zane Branco QLD
Shot Put Alexander Kolesnikoff NSW, Aiden Harvey NSW
Discus Throw Conor McLoughlin QLD, Alexander Kolesnikoff NSW
Hammer Throw James Joycey VIC
Javelin Throw Cameron McEntyre NSW, Nash Lowis QLD
10,000m Walks Declan Tingay WA, Kyle Swan VIC
Decathlon Ashley Moloney QLD, Gary Haasbroek VIC
4x100m Relay Zane Branco QLD, Tom Agnew ACT, Harrison Hunt SA, Joshua Azzopardi NSW, Jake Doran QLD
4x400m Relay Christian Davies VIC, Adam Kopp WA, Harvey Murrant VIC & other team members
EVENT LIST - BOYSEVENT LIST - GIRLS
EVENT ATHLETES
100m Mia Gross VIC, Riley Day QLD
200m Mia Gross VIC, Riley Day QLD
400m Ella Connolly QLD
800m Carley Thomas NSW, Jemima Russell VIC
1500m Sarah Eckel SA, Abbey Caldwell VIC
3000m Amelia Mazza-Downie VIC, Lara Crouch QLD
5000m Clio Ozanne-Jaques QLD
100m Hurdles Lateisha Willis VIC, Samantha Johnson QLD
400m Hurdles Jarmillia Murphy-Knight QLD, Annamaria Leszczynska ACT
3000m Steeplechase Montanna McAvoy QLD, Brielle Erbacher QLD
Pole Vault Lauren Hyde-Cooling WA
Long Jump Grace Brennan ACT
Discus Throw Talosaga Kia QLD
Hammer Throw Louise Mendes VIC, Caitlyn Hester QLD
Javelin Throw Lara Ilievski WA, Alexandra Roberts QLD
10,000m Walk Katie Hayward QLD
Heptathlon Camryn Newton-Smith QLD, Celeste Mucci VIC
4x100m Relay Mia Gross VIC, Riley Day QLD, Kristie Edwards NSW, Nana Owusu-Afiyie VIC, Tamara Hotten QLD
4x400m Relay Ella Connolly QLD, Carley Thomas NSW, Cara Jardine QLD, Jemima Russell VIC STAFF LIST NAME ROLE
Team Leader Sara Heasly VIC
Team Managers Jen Chan VIC, Lynda Gusbeth VIC, Ben Groth QLD
Doctor Sam Pomroy ACT
Physiotherapists Kevin Craigie VIC, Paula Peralta NSW, Rob Mullard NSW
Massage Therapists Brad Foster QLD, Nicky Francis QLD
Psychologist Josh Sebbens ACT
Biomechanist Georgia Giblin QLD
Head Coach Paul Pearce VIC
Team Coaches Mike Barber ACT, Nicole Boegman-Stewart NSW, Steve Cain VIC, Karyne Di Marco NSW, Lyn Foreman WA, Gregor Gojrzewski VIC, Rod Griffin VIC, Andrew Murphy NSW, Brent Vallance VIC
Media Liaison Officer Jane Larkin QLD
10 11ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EVENT TIMETABLETUESDAY 10 JULY WEDNESDAY 11 JULY
TIME TIME (AEST)
GENDER EVENT ROUND ATHLETE/S
MORNING SESSION
9:00 16:00 W Javelin Qual A Lara Ilievski, Alexandra Roberts
9:05 16:05 M 100m Decathlon Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
9:10 16:10 M Shot Put Qual A Aiden Harvey, Alexander Kolesnikoff
9:30 16:30 W 3000m SC Heat Montanna McAvoy, Brielle Erbacher
9:50 16:50 M Long Jump Decathlon Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
10:05 17:05 M 1500m Heat Jaryd Clifford, Callum Davies
10:20 17:20 W Javelin Qual B Lara Ilievski, Alexandra Roberts
10:24 17:24 M Shot Put Qual B Aiden Harvey, Alexander Kolesnikoff
10:40 17:40 W 800m Heat Carley Thomas, Jemima Russell
11:20 18:20 M Long Jump Qual A+B Ben Schmidtchen
11:30 18:30 M 100m Heat Joshua Azzopardi, Jake Doran
11:45 18:45 M Shot Put Decathlon Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
EVENING SESSION
16:00 23:00 M High Jump Decathlon Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
16:15 23:15 W Pole Vault Qual A+B Lauren Hyde-Cooling
16:45 23:45 W Discus Qual A Talosaga Kia
16:50 23:50 W 400m Heat Ella Connolly
17:40 00:40 (Wed)
W 5000m Final Clio Ozanne-Jaques
18:05 01:05 W Discus Qual B Talosaga Kia
18:10 01:10 M Shot Put Final Aiden Harvey, Alexander Kolesnikoff
18:15 01:15 M 400m Decathlon Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
18:50 01:50 M 10,000m Final Joshua Torley
TIME TIME (AEST)
GENDER EVENT ROUND ATHLETE/S
MORNING SESSION
9:00 16:00 M 110m Hurdles Decathlon Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
9:30 16:30 M 110m Hurdles Heat
9:50 16:50 M Discus Decathlon A Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
10:15 17:15 W Shot Put Qual A
10:30 17:30 W 400m Hurdles Heat Annamaria Leszczynska, Jarmillia Murphy-Knight
11:00 18:00 M Discus Decathlon B Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
11:20 18:20 M 400m Heat Christian Davis
11:30 18:30 W Shot Put Qual B
12:20 19:20 M Hammer Qual A James Joycey
12:27 19:27 W 100m Heat Riley Day, Mia Gross
12:40 19:40 M Pole Vault Decathlon Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
13:40 20:40 M Hammer Qual B James Joycey
EVENING SESSION
16:30 23:30 M Javelin Decathlon A Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
16:40 23:40 M 110m Hurdles Semi
17:00 24:00 M Pole Vault Qual A+B
17:13 00:13(Thu)
W 800m Semi Carley Thomas, Jemima Russell
17:19 00:19 W Shot Put Final
17:40 00:40 M Javelin Decathlon B Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
17:50 00:50 M 100m Semi Joshua Azzopardi, Jake Doran
17:55 00:55 M Long Jump Final Ben Schmidtchen
18:25 01:25 W 400m Semi Ella Connolly
18:50 01:50 W Javelin Final Lara Ilievski, Alexandra Roberts
18:55 01:55 W 3000m Final Amelia Mazza-Downie, Lara Crouch
19:25 02:25 M 1500m Decathlon Ashley Moloney, Gary Haasbroek
20:05 03:05 M 100m Final Joshua Azzopardi, Jake Doran
12 13ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EVENT TIMETABLE THURSDAY 12 JULY FRIDAY 13 JULY
TIME TIME (AEST)
GENDER EVENT ROUND ATHLETE/S
MORNING SESSION
9:30 16:30 W 100m Hurdles Heptathlon Celeste Mucci, Camryn Newton-Smith
9:40 16:40 W Hammer Qual A Caitlyn Hester, Louise Mendes
10:00 17:00 M 3000m SC Heat
10:18 17:18 W Long Jump Qual A+B Grace Brennan
10:30 17:30 W High Jump Heptathlon Celeste Mucci, Camryn Newton-Smith
10:35 17:35 M 400m Hurdles Heat Harvey Murrant
10:55 17:55 W Hammer Qual B Caitlyn Hester, Louise Mendes
11:30 18:30 M 200m Heat Zane Branco
EVENING SESSION
18:00 01:00 (Fri)
W 100m Semi Riley Day, Mia Gross
18:05 01:05 W Shot Put Heptathlon Celeste Mucci, Camryn Newton-Smith
18:20 01:20 W Pole Vault Final Lauren Hyde-Cooling
18:25 01:25 M 200m Semi Zane Branco
18:50 01:50 W 400m Hurdles Semi Annamaria Leszczynska, Jarmillia Murphy-Knight
19:15 02:15 W 200m Heptathlon Celeste Mucci, Camryn Newton-Smith
19:20 02:20 M High Jump Qual A+B
19:35 02:35 W Discus Final Talosaga Kia
19:40 02:40 M 400m Semi Christian Davis
20:10 03:10 W 400m Final Ella Connolly
20:25 03:25 M 1500m Final Jaryd Clifford, Callum Davies
20:48 03:48 W 800m Final Carley Thomas, Jemima Russell
21:02 04:02 M 110m Hurdles Final
21:15 04:15 W 100m Final Riley Day, Mia Gross
TIME TIME (AEST)
GENDER EVENT ROUND ATHLETE/S
MORNING SESSION
9:30 16:30 M Javelin Qual A Nash Lowis, Cameron McEntyre
9:35 16:35 W 100m Hurdles Heat Samantha Johnson, Lateisha Willis
10:00 17:00 W Long Jump Heptathlon Celeste Mucci, Camryn Newton-Smith
10:25 17:25 M 800m Heat Lachlan Raper, Archie Wallis
10:45 17:25 M Javelin Qual B Nash Lowis, Cameron McEntyre
11:20 18:20 W 1500m Heat Sarah Eckel, Abbey Caldwell
11:40 18:40 W High Jump Qual A+B
12:00 19:00 W 200m Heat Riley Day, Mia Gross
12:10 19:10 W Javelin Heptathlon A Celeste Mucci, Camryn Newton-Smith
13:20 20:20 W Javelin Heptathlon B Celeste Mucci, Camryn Newton-Smith
EVENING SESSION
18:00 01:00 (Sat)
M Triple Jump Qual A+B
18:05 01:05 W 4x100m Relay Heat Australia
18:30 01:30 M 4x100m Relay Heat Australia
18:52 01:52 M Hammer Final James Joycey
18:55 01:55 W 800m Heptathlon Celeste Mucci, Camryn Newton-Smith
19:28 02:28 M 400m Hurdles Semi Harvey Murrant
19:43 02:43 W Long Jump Final Grace Brennan
20:02 03:00 W 200m Semi Riley Day, Mia Gross
20:26 03:26 W 400m Hurdles Final Annamaria Leszczynska, Jarmillia Murphy-Knight
20:35 03:35 M 400m Final Christian Davis
20:45 03:45 W 3000m SC Final Montanna McAvoy, Brielle Erbacher
21:20 04:20 M 200m Final Zane Branco
14 15ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EVENT TIMETABLE SATURDAY 14 JULY SUNDAY 15 JULY
TIME TIME (AEST)
GENDER EVENT ROUND ATHLETE/S
MORNING SESSION
9:30 16:30 M Discus Qual A Conor McLoughlin, Alexander Kolesnikoff
9:35 16:35 W 10,000m Walk Final Katie Hayward
10:00 17:00 W Triple Jump Qual A+B
10:40 17:40 M High Jump Final
10:45 17:45 M 10,000m Walk Final Kyle Swan, Declan Tingay
10:50 17:50 M Discus Qual B Conor McLoughlin, Alexander Kolesnikoff
11:50 18:50 W 4x400m Relay Heat Australia
12:15 19:15 M 4x400m Relay Heat Australia
AFTERNOON SESSION
15:00 22:00 W Hammer Final Caitlyn Hester, Louise Mendes
15:05 22:05 M Pole Vault Final
15:10 22:10 W 100m Hurdles Semi Samantha Johnson, Lateisha Willis
15:35 22:35 M 800m Semi Lachlan Raper, Archie Wallis
16:14 23:14 M Triple Jump Final
16:20 23:20 W 200m Final Riley Day, Mia Gross
16:35 23:35 M 5000m Final
16:40 23:40 M Javelin Final Nash Lowis, Cameron McEntyre
17:07 00:07 (Sun)
M 400m Hurdles Final Harvey Murrant
17:19 00:19 W 4x100m Relay Final Australia
17:55 00:55 M 4x100m Relay Final Australia
TIME TIME (AEST)
GENDER EVENT ROUND ATHLETE/S
AFTERNOON SESSION
13:30 20:30 W High Jump Final
13:35 20:35 W 100m Hurdles Final Samantha Johnson, Lateisha Willis
13:40 20:40 M Discus Final Conor McLoughlin, Alexander Kolesnikoff
13:45 20:45 M 3000m SC Final
14:00 21:00 W Triple Jump Final
14:15 21:15 W 1500m Final Sarah Eckel, Abbey Caldwell
14:34 21:34 M 800m Final Lachlan Raper, Archie Wallis
14:58 21:58 W 4x400m Relay Final Australia
15:28 22:28 M 4x400m Relay Final Australia
Please note times are subject to change. Please see latest schedule www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-u20-championships
16 17ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
AUSTRALIAN RECORDS & SUPERLATIVES
18 19ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EVENT AGE PERF. DATE VENUE NAME STATE D.O.B
100m U20 10.15 1-Jul-18 Jämsä Jake Doran QLD 17-Jul-00
U18 10.38 11-Oct-15 Perth Jack Hale TAS 22-May-98
200m U20 20.48 3-Feb-85 Brisbane Fred Martin NSW 4-Oct-66
U18 20.90 6-Nov-82 Sydney Darren Clark NSW 6-Sep-65
20.90 19-Aug-89 Saga Paul Greene NSW 9-Dec-72
20.90 24-Sep-17 Townsville Zane Branco QLD 4-Jan00
400m U20 44.75 8-Aug-84 Los Angeles Darren Clark NSW 6-Sep-65
U18 45.96 19-Aug-89 Saga Paul Greene NSW 9-Dec-72
800m U20 1:45.91 28-Jul-95 Lindau Paul Bryne VIC 29-Jan-76
U18 1:47.24 11-Dec-93 Canberra Paul Bryne VIC 29-Jan-76
1500m U20 3:37.24 28-Feb-09 Sydney Ryan Gregson NSW 26-Apr-90
U18 3:43.84 01-Dec-07 Sydney Ryan Gregson NSW 26-Apr-90
5000m U20 13:25.63 7-Aug-99 Hechtel Mizan Mehari ACT 25-Jan-80
U18 14:14.35 24-Nov-07 Sydney Ryan Gregson NSW 26-Apr-90
110m Hurdles U20 (99cm)
13.27 12-Jul-12 Barcelona Nicholas Hough NSW 20-Oct-93
400m Hurdles U20 49.73 10-Aug-90 Bulgaria Rohan Robinson VIC 15-Nov-71
3000m Steeplechase
U20 8:40.62 20-Sep-92 Seoul Glenn Stojanovic NSW 3-Feb-74
10,000m Race Walk
U20 41:02.18 12-Mar-11 Sydney Dane Bird-Smith QLD 15-Jul-92
U18 42:40.54 6-Nov-99 Sydney Doug Connolly NSW 30-Oct-82
4x100m Relay U20 39.34 13-Jul-12 Barcelona Jaworski, Donovan, Hough, Bertacco
AUS
U18 40.85 4-Dec-08 Canberra Pearce, Hammond, Mcrae, Fakiye
NSW
4x400m Relay U20 3:04.74 2-Aug-98 Annecy Mcfarlane, Batman, Thom, Vincent
AUS
U18 3:14.39 30-Mar-84 Melbourne Klabbers, Longmuir, Nevin, Reed
VIC
High Jump U20 2.34 4-Jul-92 Oslo Tim Forsyth VIC 17-Aug-73
U18 2.29 12-Aug-90 Plovdiv Tim Forsyth VIC 17-Aug-73
Pole Vault U20 5.70 26-Jun-16 Mannheim Kurtis Marschall SA 25-Apr-97
U18 5.35 25-Aug-96 Sydney Paul Burgess WA 14-Aug-79
Long Jump U20 8.12 11-Jul-07 Nuoro Italy Christopher Noffke QLD 6-Jan-88
U18 8.01 16-Jul-15 Colombia Darcy Roper QLD 31-Mar-98
Triple Jump U20 16.58 11-Dec-08 Melbourne Henry Frayne VIC 14-Apr-90
Shot Put U20 (6kg)21.14 11-Jul-12 Barcelona Damien Birkinhead VIC 8-Apr-93
Discus U20 (1.75kg)
66.81 23-Nov-14 Brisbane Matthew Denny QLD 2-Jun-96
Hammer Throw
U20 (6kg)80.48 25-Sep-15 Townsville Matthew Denny QLD 2-Jun-96
Javelin U20 (800g)
76.58 23-Mar-13 Brisbane Luke Cann VIC 17-Jul-94
Decathlon U20 8094 23-Jul-14 Oregon Cedric Dubler QLD 13-Jan-95
AUSTRALIAN RECORDS - MEN
EVENT CLASS PERF. DATE VENUE NAME STATE
1500m T12 3:48.31 4 Sep 12 London Abderrahim Zhiou TUN
Pending
1500m T12 3:45.18 17 Mar 18 Sydney Jaryd Clifford AUS
IPC WORLD RECORD
EVENT CLASS PERF. DATE VENUE NAME STATE
1500m T12 3:45.18 17 Mar 18 Sydney Jaryd Clifford VIC
AUSTRALIAN RECORD OPEN
EVENT CLASS PERF. DATE VENUE NAME STATE
1500m T12 3:45.18 17 Mar 18 Sydney Jaryd Clifford VIC
AUSTRALIAN RECORD U20
20 21ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
AUSTRALIAN RECORDS - WOMEN
EVENT AGE PERF. DATE VENUE NAME STATE D.O.B
100m U20 11.20 15-Oct-68 Mexico City Raelene Boyle VIC 24-Jan-51
U18 11.20 15-Oct-68 Mexico City Raelene Boyle VIC 24-Jan-51
200m U20 22.74 18-Oct-68 Mexico City Raelene Boyle VIC 24-Jan-51
U18 22.74 18-Oct-68 Mexico City Raelene Boyle VIC 24-Jan-51
400m U20 51.14 28-Jun-92 Birmingham Cathy Freeman VIC 16-Feb-73
U18 51.80 12-Dec-99 Sydney Jana Pittman NSW 9-Nov-82
800m U20 2:00.81 12-Apr-18 Gold Coast Keely Small ACT 9-Jun-01
U18 2:00.81 12-Apr-18 Gold Coast Keely Small ACT 9-Jun-01
1500m U20 4:06.77 30-Jan-00 Hobart Georgie Clarke VIC 17-Jun-84
U18 4:06.77 30-Jan-00 Hobart Georgie Clarke VIC 17-Jun-84
3000m U20 8.44.1 13-Jul-84 Eugene Donna Gould SA 10-Jun-66
U18 9:02.11 20-Feb-99 Sydney Eloise Poppett NSW 9-Nov-82
5000m U20 15:18.6 16-Oct-99 Sydney Eloise Poppett NSW 9-Nov-82
100m Hurdles U20 13.01 26-Nov-05 Brisbane Sally Mclellan QLD 19-Sep-86
400m Hurdles U20 55.20 18-Mar-00 Pietersburg Jana Pittman NSW 9-Nov-82
U18 56.23 18-Dec-99 Sydney Jana Pittman NSW 9-Nov-82
3000m Steeplechase
U20 9:30.70 4-Sep-01 Brisbane Melissa Rollison QLD 13-Apr-83
10,000m Race Walk
U20 44:44.22 9-Jul-08 Poland Jessica Rothwell VIC 18-Jun-89
4x100m Relay U20 44.86 17-Jul-04 Grosseto Boyd, Mclellan, Cutmore, Negus
AUS
U18 45.48 14-Mar-14 Sydney O’grady, Thornton, Geddes, Kyriacou
NSW
4x400m Relay U20 3:30.38 12-Aug-90 Plodiv Andrews, Hanigan, Poetschka, Scamps
AUS
U18 3:42.47 21-Mar-82 Brisbane Alton, Babbage, Hall, Maroney
VIC
High Jump U20 1.96 15-Mar-15 Sydney Eleanor Patterson VIC 22-May-96
U18 1.96 7-Dec-13 Townsville Eleanor Patterson VIC 22-May-96
Pole Vault U20 4.59 14-Feb-15 Perth Nina Kennedy WA 5-Apr-97
U18 4.40 24-Jul-14 Oregon Nina Kennedy WA 5-Apr-97
4.40 18-Apr-10 Perth Liz Parnov WA 9-May-94
4.40 30-Jun-07 Rheinland- Pfalz
Vicky Parnov WA 24-Oct-90
Long Jump U20 6.60 23-Aug-72 Munich Lyn Tillett NSW 15-Aug-53
6.60 3-Jul-11 Germany Brooke Stratton VIC 12-Jul-93
U18 6.55 15-Oct-83 Sydney Nicole Boegman NSW 5-Mar-67
Triple Jump U20 13.36 8-Jul-06 Gold Coast Linda Allen QLD 22-Mar-87
U18 13.25 18-Mar-12 Sydney Josie Nichol NSW 15-Jul-95
Shot Put U20 16.19 6-Feb-07 Hobart Dani Samuels NSW 26-May-88
Discus U20 60.63 20-Aug-06 Beijing Dani Samuels NSW 26-May-88
U18 58.52 26-NOV-05 Brisbane Dani Samuels NSW 26-May-88
Hammer Throw
U20 65.75 29-May-16 Canberra Alex Hulley NSW 24-Jul-97
Javelin U20 57.60 4-Apr-14 Melbourne Mackenzie Little NSW 22-Dec-96
Heptathlon U20 5915 13-Apr-18 Gold Coast Celeste Mucci VIC 11-Aug-99
22 23ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
SUPERLATIVES
2018 WORLD UNDER 20 CHAMPIONSHIPS
MOST GOLD MEDALS
Men1 gold: 11 athletes
Women2 gold: Jana Pittman (NSW) 1 gold: 5 athletes
MOST MEDALS
Men2 medals: Paul Burgess (WA), Tim Forsyth (VIC), Steve Perry (NSW), Rohan Robinson (VIC) and Casey Vincent (VIC)
Women2 medals: Jana Pittman (NSW), Georgie Clark (VIC) and Rosemary Hayward (NSW).
MOST TEAMS
Men3 teams: Troy Sundstrom (NSW)
Women3 teams: Linda Coffee (NSW) and Georgie Clarke (VIC)
ROLL OF HONOUR – AUSTRALIA’S WORLD U20/JUNIOR CHAMPIONS
ATHLETE YEAR EVENT
Miles Murphy (NSW) 1986 400m
Rohan Robinson (VIC) 1990 400m Hurdles
Paul Byrne (VIC) 1994 800m
Jagan Hames (SA) 1994 High Jump
Paul Burgess (WA) 1996 Pole Vault
Jana Pittman (NSW) 2000 400m
Jana Pittman (NSW) 2000 400m Hurdles
Robert Crowther (QLD) 2006 Long Jump
Dani Samuels (NSW) 2006 Discus Throw
Australia - Susan Andrews (WA), Kylie Hanigan (NSW), Renee Poetschka (WA), Sophie Scamps (NSW)
1990 4x400m
Australia - Bryce Barnwell (VIC), Daniel Batman (NSW), Daniel McFarlane (QLD), Scott Thom (VIC), Casey Vincent (VIC)
1998 4x400m
AUSTRALIA AT THE WORLD UNDER 20 CHAMPIONSHIPS
YEAR CHAMPIONSHIP TOTAL PTS TOP 8
NO OF MEDALS
NO OF TOP 8
TOTAL NO OF TOP 16
PLACE ON THE IAAF TOP-8 TABLE
TEAM SIZE
NATIONS COMPETING
2016 Bydgoszcz, POL 49 4 11 29 9th 56 140
2014 Eugene, USA 56 2 16 30 10th 58 153
2012 Barcelona, Spain 60 5 14 24 8th 51 171
2010 Moncton, Canada 32 1 11 20 14th 35 163
2008 Bydgoszcz, Poland 49 1 12 19 12th 27 165
2006 Beijing, China 24 2 4 28 16th 43 176
2004 Grosseto, Italy 63 3 15 30 6th 44 176
2002 Kingston, Jamaica 38 2 9 26 15th 48 159
2000 Santiago, Chile 64 5 16 37 8th 50 151
1998 Annecy, France 47 4 13 33 14th 52 169
1996 Sydney, Australia 89 10 18 35 3rd 59 142
1994 Lisbon, Portugal 40 3 10 25 13th 53 143
1992 Seoul, Korea 54 4 15 30 10th 47 90
1990 Plovdiv, Bulgaria 72 6 17 24 5th 51 87
1988 Sudbury, Canada 24 2 6 24 16th 46 123
1986 Athens, Greece 51 3 14 28 10th 43 142
• In 2016 the IAAF changed the name of this event to IAAF World Under 20 Championships. The event was formerly known as the IAAF World Junior Championships.
• Jared Tallent placed 19th at the World Juniors Championships and is now an Olympic champion.
• Current coaches Paul Pearce and Andrew Murphy competed at the World Junior Championships as athletes.
• National selectors Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Dion Russell also competed at the World Juniors Championships as athletes.
EVENT BY EVENT PREVIEW
24 25ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EVENT BY EVENT - MEN
EVENT BEST PERFORMANCES BEST 3 PLACES & ALL MEDALS MOST RECENT TOP-8
100m 10.36 – Josh Clarke NSW 201410.43 – Aaron Rouge-Serret VIC 200610.45 – Jack Hale TAS 2016
6th – Damien Marsh QLD 19908th – Patrick Fakiye NSW 20109th – Steven McBain SA 1986
8th – Patrick Fakiye NSW 2010
200m 21.00 – Scott Thom VIC 199821.05 – Paul Henderson NSW 199021.05 – Thom 199821.12 – Paul Pearce VIC 1996
Bronze - Steve McBain SA 1986 5th – Scott Thom VIC 19986th – Paul Pearce VIC 1996
5th – Scott Thom VIC 1998
400m 45.52 – Steven Solomon NSW 201245.55 – Casey Vincent VIC 199845.64 – Miles Murphy NSW 1986
Gold – Miles Murphy NSW 1986 Silver – Steve Perry NSW 1988 Silver – Casey Vincent VIC 1998 Bronze – Steve Solomon NSW 2012
Bronze – Steve Solomon NSW 2012
800m 1:47.26 – Brendan Hanigan TAS 19921:47.42 – Paul Byrne VIC 19941:48.26 – Lachlan Renshaw NSW 2006
Gold – Paul Byrne VIC 1994Bronze – Brendan Hanigan TAS 1992 Bronze – Grant Cremer NSW 1996
8th – James Kaan NSW 2008
1500m 3:43.86 – Michael Power VIC 19943:44.06 – Brett Robinson ACT 20103:44.21 – Zac Patterson VIC 2014
5th – Michael Power VIC 1994 5th – Zac Patterson VIC 2014 5th – Ryan Gregson NSW 2008
6th – Matthew Ramsden WA 2016
5000m 13:51.52 – Paul Patrick VIC 199014:01.66 – Ryan Gregson NSW 200814:06.24 – Mark Thompson VIC 1998
5th – Paul Patrick VIC 19905th – Mark Thompson VIC 1998 10th – Morgan McDonald NSW 2014
5th – Mark Thompson VIC 1998
110m Hurdles
13.27 – Nicholas Hough NSW 201213.49 – Hough 201213.51 – Hough 201213.56 – Nick Andrews NSW 201613.62 – Sam Baines VIC 2010
Silver – Nicholas Hough NSW 2012Bronze – Kyle Vander-Kuyp VIC 1990 4th – Sam Baines VIC 2010
6th – Ivor Metcalf NSW 2014
400mHurdles
49.73 – Rohan Robinson VIC 199050.50 – Peter Bate VIC 199850.59 – Robinson 199050.72 – Dolph Francis QLD 1986
Gold – Rohan Robinson VIC 1990 Bronze – Peter Bate VIC 1998 7th – Dolph Francis QLD 1986
8th – Sean Avery VIC 2000
3000m SC
8:40.62 – Glenn Stojanovic NSW 19928:46.66 – Martin Dent ACT 19988:48.01 – Stonjanovic 19928:58.69 –Darren Abbott SA 1990
5th – Glenn Stojanovic NSW 1992 11th – Martin Dent NSW 1998 13th – Darren Abbott SA 1990
5th – Glenn Stojanovic NSW 1992
10,000mRace Walk
41:11.44 – Nathan Deakes VIC 199641:32.36 – Dane Bird-Smith QLD 201041:50.70 – Dion Russell VIC 1994
Bronze – Nathan Deakes VIC 1996 5th – Dane Bird-Smith QLD 2010 7th – Nicholas Ahern NSW 1988
5th – Dane Bird-Smith QLD 2010
4x100mRelay
39.34 (& 39.59) – Ben Jaworski NSW,Hugh Donovan QLD, Nicholas Hough NSW, Matthew Bertacco VIC 201239.57 - Trae Williams QLD, Jack Hale TAS, Nicholas Andrews NSW, Cameron Searle VIC, 201639.62 – Paul Pearce VIC, David Baxter VIC, Paul di Bella QLD, Peter Missingham NSW 1996 (reserve Matt Shirvington)
Bronze – Paul Pearce VIC, DavidBaxter VIC, Paul di Bella QLD, Peter Missingham NSW 19965th – Ben Jaworski NSW, Hugh Donovan QLD, Nicholas Hough NSW, Matthew Bertacco VIC 20125th – Stephen Hadfield NSW, Adam Dorey NSW, Nathan Carr QLD, Troy Davies NSW 19985th - Trae Williams QLD, Jack Hale TAS, Nicholas Andrews NSW, Cameron Searle VIC 2016
5th - Trae Williams QLD, Jack Hale TAS, Nicholas Andrews NSW, Cameron Searle VIC 2016
26 27ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EVENT BY EVENT - MEN
EVENT BEST PERFORMANCES BEST 3 PLACES & ALL MEDALS MOST RECENT TOP-8
4x400mRelay
3:04.74 – Daniel McFarlane QLD, Daniel Batman NSW, Casey Vincent VIC, Scott Thom VIC 19983:05.51 – Rohan Robinson VIC, Simon Hollingsworth TAS, Paul Greene NSW, Matthew Burmeister VIC 1990 3:06.58 – Jarryd Buchan VIC, Jay Meaney QLD, Max Waldron TAS, Steven Solomon NSW 2012
Gold – Daniel McFarlane QLD, Daniel Batman NSW, Casey Vincent VIC, Scott Thom VIC 1998Silver – Darren Edmunds TAS, Steve Perry NSW, Anthony Ryan QLD, Mark Garner NSW 1988Bronze - Rohan Robinson VIC, Simon Hollingsworth TAS, Paul Greene NSW, Matthew Burmeister NSW 1990
5th – Joshua Robinson QLD, James Kermond NSW, Sam Reiser VIC, Dan Forsyth QLD 2014
High Jump
2.31m – Tim Forsyth VIC 19922.29m – Forsyth 19902.23m – Jagan Hames SA 19942.21m - John Dodds QLD 2016
Gold – Jagan Hames SA 1994 Silver – Tim Forsyth VIC 1992 Silver – Tim Forsyth VIC 1990
5th - John Dodds QLD 2016
Pole Vault 5.55m - Kurtis Marschall SA 20165.40m – Jack Hicking NSW 2014 5.35m – Paul Burgess WA 1996
Gold – Paul Burgess WA 1996 Silver - Kurtis Marschall SA 2016 Bronze – Paul Burgess WA 1998
Silver - Kurtis Marschall SA 2016
Long Jump
8.00m – Robbie Crowther QLD 20067.89m – John Thornell NSW 2004 7.88m - Darcy Roper QLD 2016
Gold – Robbie Crowther QLD 2006Silver – Fabrice Lapierre NSW 2002Bronze – John Thornell NSW 2004Bronze - Darcy Roper QLD 2016
Bronze - Darcy Roper QLD 2016
Triple Jump
16.29m – Alwyn Jones SA 200416.29m – Henry Frayne SA 200816.19m – Peter Burge NSW 1992
5th – Peter Burge NSW 19925th – Alwyn Jones VIC 2004 5th – Henry Frayne SA 2008
5th – Henry Frayne SA 2008
Shot Put 21.14m – Damien Birkinhead VIC 201220.10m – Birkenhead 201219.28m – Emanuele Fuamatu NSW 200818.61m – Joe Stevens QLD 2006
Silver – Justin Anlezark QLD 1996 Bronze – Clay Cross NSW 1996Bronze – Damien Birkinhead VIC 2012
Bronze – Damien Birkinhead VIC 2012
Discus Throw
62.73m – Matthew Denny QLD 2014 62.38m – Denny 201461.77m – Mitchell Cooper QLD 201461.09m – Julian Wruck QLD 2010
Silver – Werner Reiterer VIC 1986 Bronze – Julian Wruck QLD 2010 4th – Matthew Denny QLD 2014
4th – Matthew Denny QLD 2014
Hammer Throw
73.75m - Ned Weatherly VIC 2016 71.18m - Weatherly70.60m – Simon Wardhaugh QLD 200469.59m – Tim Driesen VIC 2002
Bronze – Aaron Fish QLD 2000 5th – Simon Wardhaugh QLD 2004 7th - Ned Weatherly VIC 2016
7th - Ned Weatherly VIC 2016
Javelin 75.74m – Steven Madeo QLD 199674.44m – Hamish Peacock TAS 2008 73.88m – Steven Madeo QLD 1996
Bronze – Steven Madeo VIC 1996 4th – Jarrod Bannister QLD 2002 4th – Joshua Robinson QLD 2004
7th – Luke Cann VIC 2012
Decathlon 8094 – Cedric Dubler QLD 20147955 – Jake Stein NSW 20127584 – Dubler 20127443 – Adam Bevis QLD 2008
Silver – Cedric Dubler QLD 2014 Silver – Jake Stein NSW 2012 4th – Cedric Dubler QLD 2012 4th – Les Kuorikoski QLD 1992
Silver – Cedric Dubler QLD 2014
EVENT BY EVENT - WOMEN
EVENT BEST PERFORMANCES BEST 3 PLACES & ALL MEDALS MOST RECENT TOP-8
100m 11.40 – Sally Pearson QLD 200411.49 – Pearson 200411.55 – Lauren Hewitt VIC 199611.66 – Melissa Breen ACT 2008
Bronze – Sally Pearson QLD 2004 8th – Lauren Hewitt VIC 1996 10th – Melissa Breen ACT 2008
Bronze – Sally Pearson QLD 2004
200m 23.25 – Cathy Freeman VIC 199223.29 – Freeman 199223.32 – Lauren Hewitt VIC 199623.89 – Melinda Gainsford NSW 1990
Silver – Cathy Freeman VIC 1992 Silver – Lauren Hewitt VIC 1996 5th – Cathy Freeman VIC 1990
7th – Melanie Kleeberg QLD 2000
400m 52.05 – Jessica Thornton NSW 201652.12 - Thornton52.23 – Susan Andrews WA 199052.45 – Jana Pittman NSW 2000
Gold – Jana Pittman NSW 2000Bronze – Rosemary Hayward NSW 19964th – Jessica Thornton NSW 2016
4th – Jessica Thornton NSW 2016
800m 2:02.28 – Georgie Clarke VIC 20002:02.71 – Georgia Wassall NSW 20142:04.12 – Georgina Griffith VIC 2014
Silver – Georgie Clarke VIC 2000 Bronze – Georgia Wassall NSW 2014 4th – Georgina Griffith VIC 2014
Bronze – Georgia Wassall NSW 2014
1500m 4:16.75 – Benita Willis QLD 19984:18.25 – Willis 19984:18.70 – Anna Laman NSW 20144:19.13 – Brooke Simpson NSW 2004
Bronze – Georgie Clarke VIC 2000 5th – Brooke Simpson QLD 2004 5th – Bridey Delaney NSW 2008
5th – Bridey Delaney NSW 2008
3000m 8:56.93 – Susie Power VIC 19949:04.30 – Power 19929:07.28 – Power 19949:08.85 – Jessica Hull NSW 2014
Silver – Susie Power VIC 1994 7th – Jessica Hull NSW 2014 8th – Susie Power VIC 1992
7th – Jessica Hull NSW 2014
5000m 15:56.00 – Courtney Powell VIC 201416:08.44 – Annabel McDermott NSW 201616:18.18 – Kate Spencer NSW 2014
7th – Courtney Powell VIC 201411th – Kate Spencer NSW 2014 14th – Annabel McDermott NSW 2016
7th – Courtney Powell VIC 2014
100m Hurdles
13.30 – Jacquie Munro NSW 200013.30 – Sally Pearson QLD 200413.36 – Munro 200013.41 – Michelle Jenneke NSW 2012
4th – Sally Pearson QLD 2004 5th – Jacquie Munro NSW 20005th – Michelle Jenneke NSW 2012
5th – Michelle Jenneke NSW 2012
400mHurdles
56.16 – Jana Pittman NSW 200056.27 – Pittman 200057.95 – Lauren Wells ACT 200658.36 – Josephine Fowley NSW 1996
Gold – Jana Pittman NSW 2000 4th – Josephine Fowley NSW 19965th – Rebecca Campbell WA 1994
Gold – Jana Pittman NSW 2000
3000m SC 10:16.14 – Georgia Winkcup NSW 201610:19.29 – Stella Radford VIC 201410:19.51 - Beth Croft NSW 2016
10th – Tessa Potezny SA 2012 11th – Aleisha Anderson WA 2004 13th – Stella Radford VIC 201413th – Beth Croft NSW 2016
nil
10,000mRace Walk
44:44.22 – Jessica Rothwell VIC 200846:59.96 – Clara Smith QLD 201647.55.67 – Regan Lamble VIC 2010
4th – Jessica Rothwell VIC 2008 8th – Regan Lamble VIC 2010 10th – Laura Johnson NSW 2002
8th – Regan Lamble VIC 2010
4x100mRelay
44.86 – Jacinta Boyd QLD, Sally Pearson QLD, Michelle Cutmore QLD, Rebecca Negus QLD 200445.01 – Rebecca Vormister NSW, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor NSW, Fiona Blair NSW, Cathy Freeman VIC 199045.04 – Melanie Kleeberg QLD, Jacquie Munro NSW, Sandra Porter VIC, Alicia Spencer NSW 2000
5th – Rebecca Vormister, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, Fiona Blair, Cathy Freeman 19905th – Melanie Kleeberg, Jacquie Munro, Sandra Porter, Alicia Spencer 20005th – Jacinta Boyd, Sally Pearson, Michelle Cutmore, Rebecca Negus 2004
7th – Sam Geddes NSW, Nicole Kay QLD, Nana-Adoma Owusu-Afriyie VIC (final), Gabriella O’Grady NSW (heat), Maddie Coates VIC 2016
28 29ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EVENT BEST PERFORMANCES BEST 3 PLACES & ALL MEDALS MOST RECENT TOP-8
4x400mRelay
3:30.38 (&3:33.81) – Kylie Hanigan NSW, Susan Andrews WA, Sophie Scamps NSW, Renee Poetschka WA 19903:32.47 – Tamsyn Manou VIC, JosephineFowley NSW, Jennifer Marshell VIC, Rosemary Hayward NSW 1996 3:34.23 – Brittney McGlone ACT,Trychelle Kingdom NSW, Olivia Tauro NSW, Angeline Blackburn ACT 2008
Gold – Kylie Hanigan, Susan Andrews, Sophie Scamps, Renee Poetschka 1990Bronze – Tamsyn Manou, Josephine Fowley, Jennifer Marshell, Rosemary Hayward 1996Bronze – Brittney McGlone, Trychelle Kingdom, Olivia Tauro, AngelineBlackburn 2008
7th – Emily Lawson VIC, Georgia Wassall NSW, Georgina Griffith VIC, Samantha Lind TAS 2014
High Jump 1.88 – Gai Kapernick QLD 19881.87 – Petrina Price NSW 20021.85 – Cassie Purdon QLD 20141.85 – Andrea Hughes TAS 19921.85 – Lisa Bruty VIC 1996
Bronze – Petrina Price NSW 2002 5th – Gai Kapernick QLD 1988 5th – Cassie Purdon QLD 2014 5th – Zoe Timmers WA 2008
5th – Cassie Purdon QLD 2014
Pole Vault 4.40 – Nina Kennedy WA 20144.30 – Liz Parnov WA 20124.20 – Vicky Parnov WA 20064.20 – V Parnov 2008
Silver – Liz Parnov WA 2012 Bronze – Vicky Parnov WA 2006 4th – Nina Kennedy WA 2014
4th – Nina Kennedy WA 2014
Long Jump
6.42 – Brooke Stratton VIC 20126.29 – Shermin Oksuz WA 20026.26 – Stratton 20126.23 – Jacinta Boyd QLD 2002
4th – Jacinta Boyd QLD 2004 5th – Shermin Oksuz WA 2002 6th – Jacinta Boyd QLD 2002
7th – Brooke Stratton VIC 2012
Triple Jump
13.26 – Aliyah Johnson QLD 201413.18 – Carmen Miller TAS 199613.04 – Alyisha House NSW 2004
9th – Linda Leverton QLD 2006 9th – Leanne Wickham VIC 1992
nil
Shot Put 15.96 – Dani Samuels NSW 200615.71 – Samuels 200615.01 – Nicole Carkeek VIC 199014.71 – Kim Mulhall VIC 2008
7th – Dani Samuels NSW 2006 9th – Yvette Ykema VIC 1986 11th – Nicole Carkeek VIC 1990 11th – Lisa Patterson QLD 1996
7th – Dani Samuels NSW 2006
Discus Throw
60.63 – Dani Samuels NSW 200660.44 – Lisa-Marie Vizaniari ACT 199053.91 - Kirsty Williams QLD 2016
Gold – Dani Samuels NSW 2006Silver – Lisa-Marie Vizaniari ACT 1990Silver - Kirsty Williams QLD 2016
Silver - Kirsty Williams QLD 2016
Hammer Throw
63.47 - Alex Hulley NSW 201662.65 - Hulley60.17 – Gabrielle Neighbour VIC 200258.94 – Danielle McConnell TAS 2014
Silver - Alex Hulley NSW 20164th – Gabrielle Neighbour VIC 2002 8th – Brownyn Eagles NSW 1998
Silver - Alex Hulley NSW 2016
Javelin 56.01 – Annabel Thompson NSW 200454.54 – Thomson 200451.38 – Wasie Toolis QLD 201250.54 – Kathryn Brooks VIC 2016
Bronze – Annabel Thompson NSW 20049th – Wasie Toolis QLD 2012 9th – Kim Mickle WA 2002
Bronze – Annabel Thompson NSW
Heptathlon 5468 – Jane Jamieson NSW 19945459 – Casidhe Simmons QLD 20145416 - Alysha Burnett NSW 2016
9th – Lauren Foote SA 2002 10th – Jane Jamieson NSW 1994 13th – Louise Currey NSW 1986
5416 – Alysha Burnett NSW 2016
EVENT BY EVENT - WOMEN
ATHLETEPROFILES
30 31ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
These profiles are correct as at June 2018.
32 33ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
TomAGNEW
BIOGRAPHY…Less than two years after starting athletics, he makes his international debut. A win in the 2016 ACT schools sparked an interest and he started training with Matt Beckenham. That debut 100m run was 11.07 and by the end of the 2016/17 summer he had clocked 10.86. Over the six months of the 2017/18 season he chopped away at his PB on six occasions bringing it down to 10.66 at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, where he placed second and earned selection for the Australian U20 team. He also made significant progress in the 200m running a PB of 21.45. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Woden Athletics Club, Canberra Grammar School (graduated in 2017), on a gap year and working part-time as a waiter.
Getting into the sport: Took up athletics at the end of 2016 because I won the 100m at the ACT schools championships.
Memorable moment/s: Nationals 2018 I was disqualified during the U20 100m heats then protested it to the jury after the ref ruled me out for a false start (I flinched in the blocks). Was later allowed to run an individual heat requiring a 10.8 to gain selection into the final. I ran 10.7 something and then ran the final 30 min after and luckily managed to get second place. The next day in the 200m final I came third but before medal presentation I was disqualified for stepping on the inside line of my lane around the bend - was a hectic weekend.
Biggest influence and hero: My dad
Goals: To be selected for an Australian senior team
DATE OF BIRTH 30 Sep 1999Canberra, ACT
STATE ACT
COACH Matt Beckenham
EVENT 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 10.48 Jämsä FIN 1 Jul 2018
JoshuaAZZOPARDI
BIOGRAPHY…The weekend of 17-19 March 2017 marked a breakthrough for South-west Sydney sprinter Josh Azzopardi by setting three landmark PBs in the 100m (10.81), 200m (21.73) and long jump (7.04) at the NSW Little Athletics State Championships. Prior to the 2017 season, his yearly bests, had been 11.43/23.20 (2016) and 11.70/23.30 (2015). His significant progression ensured he embarked on his 2017 winter training with high hopes for the following summer. He opened the season in terrific form, running a slightly windy 10.68 (+2.2) in October, then followed this with a legal PB of 10.78 in November. His progress continued after Christmas clocking a huge PB time of 10.66 in Canberra to be within reach of the World U20 100m qualifying time of 10.55. In blistering form at the NSW Junior Championships in February he clocked 10.50 to win but with a following +2.1 wind. In the 200m he also smashed his 200m PB running 21.66 (-2.1). At the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, he placed third in a quick 10.73 to secure relay selection for the Australian team. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Azza
Affiliations/job/study: Camden Little Athletics Club, Camden Athletics Club, St Gregory’s College (graduated 2017), athlete, working with parents
Getting into the sport: Took up athletics at the age of five but didn’t get competitive until 13 and didn’t focus on it until 17.
Memorable moment/s: Winning State for the first time. Had goose-bumps everywhere when I crossed the line, it was a tremendous feeling to know that hard work pays off.
Outside Interests: Playstation, beach, Oztag.
Biggest Influence: My family who continue to support and encourage me, as they always have, and my coach who is always challenging and pushing me to progress and achieve my goals. My rivals who motivate me to train harder, who make me nervous and help me achieve fast times on the track.
Hero: Usain Bolt
Other: “The love I have for running in a straight line is ridiculous.”
DATE OF BIRTH 27 Nov 1999Penrith, NSW
STATE NSW
COACH Rob Marks
EVENT 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 10.41 Jämsä FIN 1 Jul 2018
34 35ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
ZaneBRANCO
BIOGRAPHY…Zane Branco’s 20.68 200m in March 2018 made him the fourth fastest junior in Australian history over 200m and the fastest we have seen for six years. He also backed that up with a series of sub-21 second 200m times last summer as well as excelling at long jump.
Born and raised in America, Little Athletics on the Sunshine Coast gave him an opportunity to get involved in the sport he liked. By age 15, he was already over seven metres in the long jump. After hitting 7.00m in November 2015, the next month he won the Australian All Schools with a meet record mark of 7.27 and backed that up with a silver in the triple jump. His sprinting was at modest levels with a 200m PB of 23.72. By 16 he was a regular over seven metres with a best of 7.42 (7.54w). His speed was also picking up with times of 10.99/10.85w (100m) and 22.42 (200m).
He started the 2017/18 summer in stunning form, when in Townsville in September, he equalled the Australian under-18 200m record clocking 20.90 held by Olympians Darren Clark and Paul Greene. He had bypassed 21 seconds and taken his PB from 22.05 to 20.90. His 100m and long jump PB marks were also making significant progression now at 10.56 and 7.57m by the end of 2017 before hitting 10.53 (100m), 20.68 (200m) and 7.61m (Long Jump) in early 2018. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Noosa Athletics, Noosa Little Athletics, Sunshine State High School (graduated 2017), athlete/retail
Getting into the sport: In 2011, I had wanted to try it in the United States but was unable to. In Australia Little Athletics opened the door.
Hero: Anyone who puts their trash in the right bin (recycling vs rubbish)
Goals: Make finals and exceed expectations.
DATE OF BIRTH 4 Jan 2000San Diego, USA
STATE QLD
COACH Michael Hooper & Bec Brice
EVENT 200m, Long Jump, 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 10.33 Jämsä FIN 1 Jul 2018
200m 20.68 Sydney 18 Mar 2018
Long Jump 7.61m Brisbane 13 Jan 2018
GraceBRENNAN
BIOGRAPHY…Canberra long jumper Grace Brennan has been a regular on the National Championships podium and often the top step. Just a month after her 16th birthday, Grace made a massive leap forward adding 30cm to her PB hitting 5.80m to win the 2015 Australian All Schools title. The progression didn’t stop there when 12 months later she nailed her first six metre leap with 6.04m, to defend her Australian All Schools title. After developing some consistency in 2017 with five jumps around 5.90m her obvious goal in early 2018 was the qualifying standard of 6.15m for the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships. Post-Christmas her speed was good, setting a new 200m PB of 24.58 before equalling her lifetime best of 6.04m. In February 2018 she travelled to the Commonwealth Games trials and nailed the U20 standard with a leap of 6.17m in qualifying before extending her PB to 6.20m in the final. Unfortunately, there was heartbreak when on her fifth attempt she tore her hamstring. Rushing to get back for the U20 Championships/Trials in March 2018, two days before the competition she again tore the hamstring however, the selectors showed faith in her history of solid results and named her in the team for Tampere, Finland. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Gracie
Affiliations/job/study: Gold Coast Little Athletics Club (U6-12), Woden Little Athletics Club (U13-17), Woden Athletics Club, St Clare’s College (graduated 2017), waitress.
Getting into the sport: My parents signed me up for Little Athletics when I was five years old and I have been competing and loving it ever since.
Memorable moment/s: Making the final at the 2018 Australian Athletics Championships and getting to jump with my idols, as well as jumping two World U20 Championships qualifiers in the same competition.
Outside Interests: Playing sport, spending time with my friends and family, and playing with my dogs.
Biggest Influence: My coach, parents and team mates who have gotten me to where I am today.
Hero: Brooke Stratton
Goals: To make the long jump final at IAAF World U20 Championships and to make a senior international team in the next few years, hopefully the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
DATE OF BIRTH 5 Nov 1999Canberra, ACT
STATE ACT
COACH Philip Alchin
EVENT Long Jump
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Long Jump 6.20 Gold Coast 18 Feb 2018
36 37ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
AbbeyCALDWELL
BIOGRAPHY…Over the last four years, Abbey Caldwell made excellent and consistent progress over 1500m and 3000m, reducing her 1500m time by 24 seconds and her 3000m time by 33 seconds. In February 2018 she made her first attempt to qualify for the IAAF World U20 Championships in the 3000m trial in Sydney. She toed the line with a PB of 9:41.37 and was aiming to join the other seven qualifiers and place in the top-two at the trials, however, despite running a three second PB she placed third and short of selection. In pursuit of the 1500m standard, she ran a four second PB time of 4:22.30 in early March 2018, less than a second outside qualification. In her last chance to achieve the standard at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials she placed second in 4:21.00 in a highly competitive and quick race – achieving the standard and earning selection for the Australian team.
GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Flabbey
Affiliations/job/study: Doncaster Little Athletics Club, Doncaster Athletic Club, Doncaster Secondary College (graduating 2019)
Getting into the sport: I started Little Athletics when I was five as just another sport added to all the others at the time. For me, I found it the most social sport I did, as well as finding it the most fun as a kid. Looking back on my early days of running now, the reason I kept going was because of the many friendships I made. Also, that many of my friends and I continued to run and ended up beginning to see some progression and success.
Memorable moment/s: My first ever national medal. It came very unexpectedly and it was one of my greatest highlights.
Outside Interests: Finding interesting food places and, going out with friends.
Hero: Mo Farah – not only because of his thriving personality, but because of his willingness to demonstrate the principle of resilience to his competitors as well as his sense of character.
Goals: My goal had always been to one day represent Australia. After getting my first opportunity earlier this year for cross country, World U20s became an option that was beginning to open for me. I worked towards getting the qualifier and after achieving that goal I couldn’t be happier.
DATE OF BIRTH 3 July 2001Melbourne, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Gavin Burren
EVENT 1500m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
1500m 4:21.00 16 Mar 2018
JarydCLIFFORD
BIOGRAPHY…Jaryd Clifford will set history in Tampere when he becomes the first Australian Paralympian to compete at an able-bodied world championships. He is a T12 class Paralympic athlete due to his visual impairment and is the current world record holder over 1500m for his class. Jaryd was born with a degenerative eye condition – Juvenile Macular Degeneration – and is legally blind.
At school he participated in running and aged 13 he was preparing to run the para event at the 2012 Australian cross-country championships when the able-bodied team needed an extra runner and he was added to that race. In the wet conditions and with his visual impairment he struggled, placed last and told his mother he was never running again. However, an APC talent search day showed that he had the ability to represent Australia at the Paralympics and this encouraged him to commence regular training with Max Balchin in 2013. His improvement in able-bodied competition over the next few years was remarkable. In August 2014 he was 20th in the National cross country before breakthrough fourth in the U16 3000m at the National Schools in December.
In 2015 he made his international debut at a para competition, competing at the IPC World Championships and took 7th in the 5000m. Early in 2016 he earned first national medal – third in the U18 1500m before going on to claim seventh in both the 1500m and 5000m events at the Rio Paralympics. In 2017 he won a bronze in the 1500m at the World Para Athletics Championships and commenced the 2017/18 season targeting selection for the World U20 Championships in the 5000m but missed the standard by seven seconds, knocking . At the March 2018 Junior Championships/Trials he defeated a quality 1500m field to take victory with a time of 3:49.16, but unfortunately remained outside the qualifying standard of 3:48.00. He was invited to race the Sydney Track Classic to be held 24 hours later (his third race in 50 hours) and ran a magnificent 3:45.18 to secure selection and also the senior T12 para world record.
GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Cliff
Affiliations/job/study: Diamond Valley Little Athletics Centre, Diamond Valley Athletics Club, St Helena Secondary College (graduated 2017), athlete, writer and public speaker.Getting into the sport: Played many sports although ball sports were not an option. Aged 13, an APC talent search identified athletics for him.
Memorable moment/s: Brazilian crowd, aged 17, at Paralympic debut; Bronze 2017 IPC World Championship; First national title (1500m 2018) and qualifying for World U20s in a world record time.
Outside Interests: Writing
Biggest Influence: My first coach Max Balchin and his partner Lyn. Kurt Fearnley, for his fighting spirit and his ability to empty himself for the green and gold.
Hero: Peekay (The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay).
Goals: At the IAAF World U20 Championships I don’t want to be merely a token. I plan on making my mark and if that takes me to the final, so be it.
Other: Could read Braille before I started primary school.
DATE OF BIRTH 5 Jul 1999Melbourne, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Philo Saunders
EVENT 1500m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
1500m 3:45.18 Sydney 17 Mar 2018
38 39ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
EllaCONNOLLY
BIOGRAPHY…Ella Connolly is one of the most outstanding junior all round sprinters in Australian history. At just 14, she had clocked times of 12.06 (100m), 24.77 (200m) and 55.57 (400m). Over the ensuing years, she made regular improvements across all sprints. At the start of 2017, she moved her junior times down to 11.80w/11.90, 23.66 and 52.96. She made her international debut at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth (U18) Games in the Bahamas where she ran a PB in the 400m clocking 52.72 to win the silver medal as well as collecting bronze in the 200m and gold in the 4x400m mixed relay. While at the Games, she was informed she had been selected for the Australian senior team for the senior 2017 IAAF World Championships. She travelled directly to London where she joined her 4x400m relay teammates and clocked a flying 52.2 split on for the second leg. The team placed fifth in the heat in a time of 3:28.02, missing the final by just 0.43 seconds. Commonwealth Games team prospects were dashed by injury early in the 2017/18 season but she resumed competition in late February and later won the 400m at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, securing automatic selection for the World U20 Championships.
GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Deception Bay Little Athletics Club, Deception Bay Athletics Club, St Columbans College (graduated 2017)
Getting into the sport: I began sport playing touch footy in the backyard with my brothers before getting fully into athletics. The opportunities and experiences athletics has given me has been phenomenal and it is something I wish to continue into the future.
Memorable moment/s: Competing at the London 2017 World Championships.
Outside interests: Hobbies include beach, shopping, cooking/eating and adventures. Played touch football at state level for six years prior to taking up athletics.
Biggest influence: My parents, Laurel and Mike have always supported me in my sporting endeavours and do what they can to make sure I take advantage of all opportunities given. My coach Gary Patterson goes out of his way to make sure I’m getting the most out of training and competitions.
Hero: Sally Pearson
Goals: A medal at the Commonwealth or Olympic Games.
Other: She has two talented brothers, Jonte and Josh. Josh competed in the high jump at the IAAF 2015 World Youth Championships and IAAF 2016 World Junior Championships, and Jonte is a talented touch football player. Her grandma Norma Connolly is in the basketball hall of fame and awarded OAM medal for service to basketball. She has coached basketball at state and national level over the past 50 years.
DATE OF BIRTH 13 July 2000Rockhampton, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Gary Patterson
EVENT 400m, 4x400m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m 52.72 Nassau BAH 21 July 2017
LaraCROUCH
BIOGRAPHY…Lara Crouch has been one of Australia’s leading junior distance runners for five years, beginning with her 4:26.96 at just 13 years. Consistently running sub 4:30 she also brought her 800m PB down to 2:10. In mid-2017 and with the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships on the horizon, Lara compiled a tremendous series of 1500m and 3000m performances. She started with 9:38 in July, 9:34 in October before running a massive PB of 9:17.33 at NSW 3000m Championships. With seven athletes qualified at 3,000m heading into the U20 Championships/Trials, times mattered little with Lara finishing a brilliant second, in a tactically-slow time of 9:35.36. Her and coach Jayden Russ had got their peak right and two weeks later she destroyed her 1500m PB with a time of 4:18.56 – well under the World U20 Champs standard. A month later at the trials and national U20 1500m championship, Lara placed third with less than one second separating second to fourth. The following week she was named in the 3000m for the IAAF World U20 Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: University of Queensland Athletics Club, St Margaret’s School (graduating in 2018).
Getting into the sport: In 2011 when a family friend took me along to training one day.
Memorable moment/s: Competing at the Commonwealth Games trials; placing third at the U19 World Schools Cross Country in Budapest; and making the Australian U20 Championships team.
Outside Interests: Cooking, travelling and hockey.
Other: Related to Tongan-born Australian rugby league player Toutai Kefu
DATE OF BIRTH 29 Aug 2001Brisbane QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Jayden Russ
EVENT 3000m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
3000m 9:17.33 Sydney 11 Nov 2017
40 41ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
CallumDAVIES
BIOGRAPHY…Originally, Callum Davies only competed in cross country and in just his second season on the track in 2015 aged 16, he ran a PB 1500m time of 4:01.33. His progression continued over the next few years to 3:56.10 (2016) and 3:53.32 in early 2017. Striving for the 3:48 standard as well as competing with a strong group of other very capable athletes he became the second athlete to achieve the standard clocking 3:47.89 in January 2018. At the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, Callum ran very well to place second to Paralympian Jaryd Clifford. Although not an automatic qualifier, with the standard under his belt, Callum was named in the team later that month. Preparing for the IAAF World U20 Championships he bettered his PB running 3:47.61 in Townsville in June. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: University of Queensland Athletics Club, Villanova College - Brisbane (graduated 2016), University of Queensland - Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Honours) (current)
Getting into the sport: Didn’t start athletics until grade 10, did cross country since grade five though. Started because I had a terrible run at a national cross country and didn’t want to do that badly again.
Memorable moment/s: Winning an Australian title before I had won a district or regional event (track or cross country). Placing second at the 2018 Australian Junior Champs after getting tripped in the heat, getting reinstated into the final after passing a concussion protocol and having my pelvic girdle knocked out of alignment.
Outside Interests: Reading, cricket - still play 3rd grade in Brisbane Premier Cricket Comp.
Biggest Influence: My coach, Brian Chapman
Hero: Cathy Freeman
Goals: Make the IAAF World U20 Championships finals, Qld U20 1500m record
Other: A distant relative of Olympic sprinter Hector Hogan and Queensland rugby league player Chris Close.
DATE OF BIRTH 18 Jul 1999Brisbane QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Brian Chapman
EVENT 1500m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
1500m 3:47.61 Townsville 10 June 2018
ChristianDAVIS
BIOGRAPHY…In just a few years since taking the sport seriously, Christian Davis has made significant progression to become the fastest Australian junior for three years, running 46:44 to make the final at the 2018 National Championships/Commonwealth Games Trials.
Although he did compete in Little Athletics he was also playing soccer, reaching national level in 2014. The following year he decided to concentrate on athletics. In his first year he ran 50.2 and an impressive 1:51.01 over 800m but within a year he had smashed those bests, his 400m down to 48.18 and 1:49.04 for 800m. Although his 800m was better at that stage, he switched his focus to the shorter event and by 2018 was down to 46.44 after four years of steady progression. His 800m remains very handy, with Christian still running sub-1:50 each year. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Davis
Affiliations/job/study: Corio Little Athletics, Athletics Chilwell, Geelong Grammar School (graduated 2017), Applied Science at Latrobe University (current), works at The Running Company Geelong.
Getting into the sport: Took up athletics as my main sport in 2015 as I started improving rapidly and was keen to see how far I could take my running.
Memorable moment/s: Winning the 4x400m in 2017 at Nationals after coming from behind. The atmosphere was something I haven’t experienced before and being alongside such good mates made it all the much sweeter.
Outside Interests: Soccer (played for Victoria in 2014), spending time with friends.
Biggest Influence: My father, he always pushes me to get the best out of myself and always kept me grounded.
Hero: Luke Mathews, he’s always given me advice whenever its needed and always has time to have a chat. Has become more of a friend over the past couple years and he has been through a very similar pathway to what I have undertaken.
Goals: Make the 400m final at the IAAF World U20 in Tampere, make the 4x400m World Relay team in the Bahamas in 2019, go to Doha 2019 for the IAAF World Championships over the 400m.
Other: I speak Croatian as my mother’s family are Croatian, I am also Torres Strait Islander; Famous sporting/relatives - dad (Hilton Davis) and uncle (Grahame Davis) played for the Sydney Kings in the NBL in the late 80’s.
DATE OF BIRTH 30 Aug 1999Geelong, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Anula Costa
EVENT 400m, 4x400m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m 46.44 Gold Coast 16 Feb 2018
42 43ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
RileyDAY
BIOGRAPHY…Riley Day has been the leading sprinter in her age for over six years. Age 14, she ran her first sub-12 100m time. Then two years later she attracted much interest from the athletics community by running 23.51 (200m) and 11.39w (100m) at the Queensland Schools Championships following up with two victories at the National schools titles with 11.36w and 23.52w. In early 2017 she was involved in the Nitro series where she surprised many and created tremendous publicity by running past Jamaica’s 2015 100m world championships finalist Natasha Morrison in the mixed relay. She closed the 2016/17 season with national junior titles and new PBs of 11.59 and 23.26. She competed at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games winning gold in the 200m and silver in the 100m. While in the Bahamas, she received an IAAF invitation to compete in the 200m at the senior IAAF World Championships in London in August 2017. She looked sharp in early 2018 running a 100m PB of 11.52 before collecting the 100m and 200m titles at the Australian
Championships in February, still aged just 17. Riley’s 200m time of 22.93 (into a headwind) has only been bettered by two Australian juniors - Raelene Boyle and Jenny Lamy competing at altitude at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Riley competed at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in the 4x100m relay and 200m where she made it to the semi-final. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Beaudesert Little Athletics Club, Gold Coast Victory Athletics Club, Beaudesert State High School (graduated in 2017), Griffith University (2018 deferred)
Getting into the sport: Mum decided to put me into Little Athletics in Beaudesert at age nine to keep me fit and healthy, from there my athletics journey started.
Memorable moment/s: Being part of Nitro Athletics Series, winning a medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games, being part of Australia teams at the London 2017 World Athletics Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Outside interests: I love to play with my dog and sit down and relax whilst watching television shows.
Biggest influence: My parents have always supported with every sporting opportunity - I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today without them.
Hero: Since age nine, Cathy Freeman has always inspired me. I recently met her, and she is the loveliest woman. She will always be an inspiration of mine.
Goals: My ultimate sporting ambition is to be the Olympic, Commonwealth and world champion for the 100m and 200m.
DATE OF BIRTH 30 Mar 2000Beaudesert, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Donna Thomas
EVENT 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 11.50 Sydney 17 Mar 2018
200m 22.93 Gold Coast 18 Feb 2018
JakeDORAN
BIOGRAPHY…In late 2016, just weeks after his 16th birthday Jake Doran, clocked a series of quick sprint marks - slightly wind assisted times of 10.65 and 10.66. It was just an appetiser for a massive breakthrough at the end of the 2016/17 summer when he ran 10.47 in the heats at the National U20 championships, smashing his previous best of 10.72. Unfortunately, in that race he tore his hamstring ending his summer. He was selected for the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas in 2017, where he placed fifth in the 100m final. After a solid start to the summer of 2017/18, he suffered a stress fracture and his summer was again cut short but in mid-2018 he was selected for the 4x100m relay in the Australian team for the IAAF World U20 Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Townsville North Star Athletics Club, student.
Getting into the sport: Began running track seriously in 2014 when I surprised myself and ran my way from school to the National All Schools championships in the 100m.
Memorable moment/s: Breaking the Queensland U18 100m record and tearing my hamstring in the same race.
Outside Interests: Rugby union, surf lifesaving.
Biggest Influence: Track - Paul Di Bella, Life - Chris Hemsworth
Hero: Conor McGregor
Goals: Being competitive at international competitions.
DATE OF BIRTH 18 Jul 2000Sydney, NSW
STATE QLD
COACH Paul Di Bella
EVENT 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 10.15 Jämsä FIN 1 Jul 2018
44 45ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
SarahECKEL
BIOGRAPHY…Following her sister into athletics six years ago, Sarah Eckel made significant progress last summer. A 4:30 plus 1500m athlete, Sarah dipped under the 4:30 barrier at the end of the 2016/17 summer and arrived for the summer of 2017/18 in great shape and proceeded to lower her personal bests. Over 800m she reduced her best by over 2.5 seconds to 2:05.24 but it was the 1500m where she really made progress. In her first six races she ran five PBs. Starting at 4:29.03, she went 4:23.28, 4:21.60, 4:17.08, 4:14.94 then 4:14.11 to place seventh in the Commonwealth Games trials and move her to eighth fastest junior in Australian history. With three qualifying times under her belt heading into the 2018 Australian U20 Championships/Trials Sarah claimed the Australian U20 Championship title ahead of a very strong field and secured automatic selection. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Junior
Affiliations/job/study: Hills Districts Athletics Club, Immanuel College (graduated 2017), University of Adelaide - Psychological Science (2018- ).
Getting into the sport: I got involved in athletics in 2012 through the athletics and cross-country programs at my high school and because my older sister did athletics.
Memorable moment/s: Would have to be winning my first national title in the 1500m at the 2018 Australian Junior Athletics Championships and running a PB to place seventh in the 1500m final at the 2018 Australian Athletics Championships, also ranks highly.
Outside Interests: Walking on the beach, playing violin in the Unley Symphony Orchestra.
Biggest Influence: Both of my parents - they taught me the value of working hard.
Hero: I don’t exactly have a hero but an athlete that I really look up to is Jessica Trengove because she has such a positive outlook on running and life.
Goals: I would love to make the final of the 1500m at the World Under 20 Championships. In the future I aim to represent Australia at a senior level.
Other: I also speak German. Sporting relatives - my sister Sophie runs in the NCAA for the University of New Mexico.
DATE OF BIRTH 27 May 1999Adelaide, SA
STATE SA
COACH Adam Didyk
EVENT 1500m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
1500m 4:14.11 Gold Coast 17 Feb 2018
KristieEDWARDS
BIOGRAPHY…Kristie Edwards has been consistently one of the best sprinters in Australia in her age over the last five years. A State-level netballer, she decided to close that part of her sporting life in 2016. The 2017/18 season has been her best. In December 2017, she won the nationals schools sprint double in PB times of 11.79 and 24.03. Three months later at the Commonwealth Games trials she finished an excellent fourth in the 100m. In March she was second in the 100m at the U20 Championships/Trials and was named in the 4x100m relay for Tampere, Finland. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Manly Warringah Little Athletics Club, UTS Norths Club, Pymble Ladies College (graduated in 2017), University of Technology Sydney - Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (current), athletics coach.
Getting into the sport: In 2008, little 8-year-old me came third in the 100m at the NSW State PSSA Championship in my joggers and after that I thought I kind of like this athletics thing, I might start doing it, so I joined Little Athletics the next year.
Outside Interests: Going to the beach, reading and spending time with friends. Played netball at a representative level until 2016, competes for Newport Surf Club in Surf Lifesaving.
Biggest Influence: My parents and coach Melinda, they all taught me to be dedicated, determined and to have patience.
Hero: Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, my coach and former Australian sprinter.
Goals: To be able to travel the world competing for Australia and make amazing friends along the way. Most of all, just to continue learning and enjoying the sport.
DATE OF BIRTH 24 Feb 2000Penrith, NSW
STATE NSW
COACH Melinda Gainsford-Taylor
EVENT 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 11.79 Adelaide 9 Dec 2017
46 47ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
BrielleERBACHER
BIOGRAPHY…Townsville’s Brielle Erbacher has been competing in athletics for about 10 years but didn’t take on the 3000m steeplechase until January 2017. Later that year, she recorded the important qualifier for the IAAF World U20 Championships by clocking 10:27.08. She further improved her best at the Commonwealth Games trials on the Gold Coast running 10:18.87. Her next challenge would be the World U20 Championships trials in March, where she was competitive, placing second and securing selection. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Chook
Affiliations/job/study: Toowoomba South Little Athletics Club, Intraining Athletics Club, Centenary Heights High School (graduated 2016), tradie.
Getting into the sport: In Little Athletics under 9s because my younger brother joined and I thought it looked like fun.
Memorable moment/s: Making my first Australian Team in 2018 and winning nationals in 2017.
Outside Interests: Building, art. Touch football (A grade player)
Biggest Influence: Sibling rivalry
Hero: Anyone who puts in 100%
Goals: Try and make the final at World U20 Championships in the 3000m steeplechase.
DATE OF BIRTH 28 Feb 1999Toowoomba, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Jody Erbacher
EVENT 3000m Steeplechase
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
3000m Steeplechase 10:18.87 Gold Coast 18 Feb 2018
MiaGROSS
BIOGRAPHY…Mia Gross is one of the most talented all round junior sprinters in Australia, she has an impressive range from 100m to 400m and over her 10 years she has been on the podium in all three sprints. A massive breakthrough occurred for Mia in early 2017 when she set a PB in every race: she improved her times from 12.14 to 11.71 (100m), 24.27 to 23.83 (200m) and 56.14 to 54.08 (400m). At the 2017 National Junior Championships, only Riley Day could defeat her taking silver in the U18 100m. She was selected for the Bahamas Commonwealth Youth Games, but unfortunately while warming up for the 100m heats she collided with an athlete from Botswana, breaking a bone in her arm. However, that didn’t stop Mia from competing and competing well, missing the final by one place. She had another tremendous campaign in 2018, consistently posting times around 11.80, she won silver in the Commonwealth Games trials. After a testing disqualification in her 200m semi-final, she bounced back to take the national U20 sprint double and secure automatic selection for the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Grovedale Little Athletics Club, Deakin Athletics Club, Geelong Grammar School (graduating in 2018)
Getting into the sport: I took up Little Athletics when I was an U8 athlete, because my parents enrolled me when they thought I could run well after a school athletics day carnival.
Memorable moment/s: Making the Victorian team in the Primary Schools sports and travelling to SA to compete. I clearly remember my first state medal at Little Athletics coming third in the 400m. I can’t go past winning my first national gold medal…I remember crossing the line and couldn’t believe what I had just achieved, it was an incredible feeling.I have had two crucial false starts that will leave a lasting memory and of course missing races due to injury aren’t pleasant…but it’s all character building stuff I guess, and all the bad stuff helps to build resilience.
Outside Interests: I love playing soccer, dancing and playing any sport.
Biggest Influence: I have been very lucky to have a great team around me that support, guide and influence me. My parents, coach Joe Gulli, The Injury Clinic, the Gulli track squad even my school Geelong Grammar have had big positive influences on me.
Hero: I admire anyone who works hard so basically, I admire every athlete but I look up to Sally Pearson, Morgan Mitchell, Jess Gulli-Nance, Anneliese Rubie, Ella Nelson, Allyson Felix and Sydney McLaughlin.
Goals: World U20 Championships in 2018 and 2020, World Relays 2019
Other: I won an ice cream eating contest in Fiji; Sporting relatives - my cousin Joanne King was a two-time world triathlon champion.
DATE OF BIRTH 18 Apr 2001 Geelong, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Joe Gulli
EVENT 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 11.71 Canberra 19 Feb 2017
200m 23.40 Canberra 27 Jan 2018
48 49ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
GaryHAASBROEK
BIOGRAPHY…In 2016 Gary completed his first decathlon, winning the Victorian and Australian U18 titles. In 2017 he again won the same U20 titles, capably managing the increase in implement weights with a best score of 7254 points. In January 2018 he competed in the Queensland championships where he raised his PB to 7502 points, to join Queensland’s Ashley Moloney who had also bettered the standard for the IAAF World U20 Championships.
At the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, the two staged an incredible battle. On day one Gary was on fire setting PBs in the 100m and long jump, continuing on day two with a PB in the pole vault. Going into the last event, he was in second to Moloney and despite running a three second PB, he could not overhaul the lead, finishing just 17 points behind but with an enormous PB score of 7723 points. This moved him to fourth on the Australian all-time list behind Cedric Dubler, Jake Stein and Moloney. Gary’s mark would have ranked him ninth in the world in 2017 for U20s. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Gaz, GazzaIndividual event PBs: 100m 10.79, LJ 7.44m, Shot 13.44 (6kg), HJ 2.00m, 400m 48.96, 110m hurdles 14.19 (99cm), Discus 39.38m, PV 4.80m, Javelin 55.24m, 1500m 4:31.61
Affiliations/job/study: Knox Little Athletics Club, Ringwood Athletics, Tintern Grammar (graduated 2016), Latrobe University - Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience (current)
Getting into the sport: In 2008 when I moved to Australia. Was beaten by a kid in the 800m, hated losing, so I decided to start training. I eventually beat him and decided to keep training. That was 10 years ago. Started multis because my friend and I said we will do a decathlon together and the week of the event he bailed, and I was left to do it myself.
Memorable moment/s: Winning my first national decathlon title. Was not expecting much and it made me realise that I might have found my event.
Biggest influence: My biggest influence is by far my coach. Since I started training with him I’ve looked up to him as not only an athlete but also as a person. He has helped me through some of the toughest times throughout my life and has some great advice to give. He has pushed me to become the athlete I am. He motivates me to become the best possible version of myself.
Hero: Ashton Eaton
Goals: Medal at World U20s. Olympic medal and the Australian decathlon record.
Other: Full name Gerbrand Haasbroek. He competed at three trampoline gymnastics world junior championships winning bronze medals in 2012 and 2013. Immigrated to Australia in May 2007 for a better future and safer living environment. He has broken his right ankle on four occasions.
DATE OF BIRTH 15 Mar 1999Pretoria, South Africa.
STATE VIC
COACH Steve Cain
EVENT Decathlon
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Decathlon 7723pts Melbourne 4 Mar 2018
AidenHARVEY
BIOGRAPHY…Aiden Harvey started athletics at the amazingly young age of three. Over the last four years he has made consistent progress with the 6kg shot: 15.70m (2015), 17.20m (2016), 18.65 (2017) and now 19.36m in May 2018, a mark which lifted him to number five in Australian junior history. He has also shown he will be ready to step up to the senior shot put ranks in Australia by placing second at the last two Open nationals. As an under-18 athlete (with the 5kg implement) he surpassed the 20 metres barrier and is on the cusp of the same as an under-20, with the 6kg shot. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Kurri Kurri Little Athletics Centre, Sydney University Athletics Club, Kurri Kurri High School (graduated 2016), Sydney University Exercise and Sports Science (current)
Getting into the sport: Started Little Athletics at 3yrs old in 2002.
Memorable moment/s: Silver at open nationals 2017 and 2018. Training with world champions in camps in New Zealand and the USA.
Outside interests: Training, watching throwing videos on YouTube, thinking about training.
Biggest influence: My family
Hero: Anyone who has the confidence to put themselves out there and has the ethic to achieve what they truly want for themselves.
Goals: Want to achieve all I can. Win gold at World U20 Championships.
DATE OF BIRTH 16 Apr 1999 Maitland, NSW.
STATE NSW
COACH David Bruce
EVENT Shot Put
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Shot Put 19.42m Mannheim GER 23 Jun 2018
50 51ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
KatieHAYWARD
BIOGRAPHY…Katie Hayward has made tremendous progress over the last five years managed the increase in distance from 3000m to 10,000m very. In 2016 she broke the Australian U18 5000m track walk record, clocking 21:39.03. In 2017 she stepped up to 10,000m and won the national title in a quick 45:51.09. A year on at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials she defended her title in 45:48.45 to secure selection for two IAAF meets, the World Racewalking Teams Championship (May) and the IAAF World U20 Championships (July). At the Team Championships in China, she was unfortunately disqualified. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Gold Coast Little Athletics, St Andrew Lutheran College (graduated 2017)
Getting into the sport: As a 10-year-old cross country runner, one day she went to Gold Coast Little Athletics and saw a walking race on. She didn’t know there was such an event. She joined in and won. She likes athletics as she has met a lot of good people.
DATE OF BIRTH 23 Jul 2000
STATE QLD
COACH Steve Langley
EVENT 10,000m Walk
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
10,000m Walk 45:48.45 Sydney 16 Mar 2018
CaitlynHESTER
BIOGRAPHY…During her Little Athletics days at Beaudesert in south-east Queensland, Caitlyn Hester was primarily a shot put and discus thrower, and occasional javelin thrower but in 2012 at the suggestion of her coach Des Davis she tried hammer. He knew straight away it was the future for her. Over the last four years there has been consistent progression for Caitlyn, from 44.50m (4kg) in 2015, to 49.72m (2016), 55.21m (2017) and now 57.69m this year. Her aim for last summer was the qualifying standard (57.00m) and at the Queensland Championships she added over two metres to her PB to surpass the all-important World U20 standard, landing the hammer at 57.69m. Despite a stress reaction in her foot (fourth toe), she maintained her consistent season with three more 55m competitions, before going into the Australian U20 championships/Trials where she placed a solid second, sufficient to be announced in the Australian team. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Cait, Chester
Affiliations/job/study: Beaudesert and District Little Athletics, QE2 Track club, Beaudesert State High School (graduated in 2016), Customer Service Officer at Australia Post.
Getting into the sport: Started with Little Athletics in 2009 at Beaudesert and district little athletics and wanted to try something different from netball.
Memorable moment/s: Won the Olympic schools Pierre De Coubertin Award in 2016
Outside interests: Coaching local netball team on a Tuesday night, rugby league, helping dad on the family farm - driving tractors and doing cattle work, netball.
Biggest influence: Grandpa and my Pop
Hero: Rugby league star Jonathon Thurston
Goals: World U20 Championships – PB and a top-8, long term goal compete at the Olympics.
DATE OF BIRTH 17 Sept 1999 Brisbane, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Des Davis
EVENT Hammer Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Hammer Throw 58.31m Kaustinen FIN 28 Jun 2018
52 53ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
TamaraHOTTEN
BIOGRAPHY…Tamara Hotten is an extremely talented sprinter and hurdler although Tamara is still unsure which event will be her best but considering her very limited hurdles training leading into this year’s Nationals Tamara thinks that this may be where she can have the greatest improvements. Over the last few years she has been on or just off the podium at numerous national championships in the 100m, 200m, 100m hurdles and 200m hurdles. During the 2017/18 season she was in top form across three events, 100m, 200m and 100m hurdles, giving her a solid chance of selection in the Australian team for the World U20 Championships. At the Australian U20 Championships/Trials she blitzed her PBs in all three events, every time she stepped onto the track and importantly she also recorded her first 200m qualifier (24.07) for the World U20 team. In the finals she placed fourth in all three events and was selected in the 4x100m relay where she will be a key member of a very strong team. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Tam
Affiliations/job/study: Deception Bay Little Athletics Club Deception Bay Athletics, Narangba Valley State High School (graduated 2017), Griffith University Mt Gravatt/Nathan Campus - Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (current)
Getting into the sport: When I was five I would go to my sister’s athletics club and loved racing along the sidelines of the track against the older kids. When I was seven my mum put me into athletics as I enjoyed running so much as a kid and watching my sister run.
Memorable moment/s: 2015 nationals - my first nationals and first podium in the 200m hurdles (third), 2016 nationals - podium in my favourite event, the 100m (3rd), 2018 Nationals - PB’s in all six races that I ran, including a World U20 200m qualifier. Selection for the Australian team.
Outside interests: Going to the beach
Biggest influence: Sally Pearson
Hero: Sally Pearson and Shaunae Miller
Goals: Help the team make the 4x100m relay final at the World U20 Championships and improve PB to at least 11.70.
Other: Famous relatives: Trevor Hotten (uncle) - Australian team for Judo and weightlifting. Professional artist - finalist for drawing in the 2008 Dobell Prize award. Won the Kedumba drawing award (2009) and Archibald Prize (2010). Arno Bertogna (uncle) - played for Australia in the Socceroos.
DATE OF BIRTH 8 June 2000Sydney, NSW
STATE QLD
COACH Gary Patterson
EVENT 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 11.87 Sydney 17 Mar 2018
HarrisonHUNT
BIOGRAPHY…Harry Hunt has made significant improvement in the 100m over the last 18 months to make the Australian team for the IAAF World U20 Championships. From modest PBs of 11.65 (2016) and 11.14 (2017), Harry compiled a series of quick 100m times in early 2018 to put himself in the frame for selection. He then supported those times with fourth in the Australian U20 Championships/Trials. Individually. Harry’s event is the 200m. Chasing the World U20 standard of 21.28, he ran 21.48, then 21.46 to take bronze at the Australian Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Harry
Affiliations/job/study: Tea Tree Gully and Golden Grove Little Athletics, Western Districts Athletics Club, Golden Grove High School (2015), apprentice carpenter (current)
Getting into the sport: Because I enjoyed running.
Memorable moment/s: Winning a medal at the 2018 Australian Championships
Outside interests: BMX racing
Biggest influence: My coach Dylan Hicks
Hero: Usain Bolt
Goals: 2020 Tokyo Olympics
DATE OF BIRTH 1 Apr 1999 Adelaide, SA
STATE SA
COACH Dylan Hicks
EVENT 4x100m relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 10.51 Jämsä FIN 1 Jul 2018
54 55ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
LaurenHYDE-COOLING
BIOGRAPHY…Lauren Hyde-Cooling started the sport aged six in Little Athletics. She did many events, but mostly concentrated on middle-distance running and the high jump. After seeing pole vault at interclub, she started the event in 2013 and within one year was vaulting 3.50m, aged 14. She continued to progress over the next few years, 3.60m (in 2015), 3.75m (2016) and finally in November 2017, she cleared four metres, vaulting 4.05m and clinching the qualifying standard for the IAAF World U20 Championships. She equalled that mark again at the 2017 Australian All Schools then in March 2018 at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, she was in a class of her own, clearing a PB 4.06m in her most important competition to date, winning by 46cm and securing automatic selection for the World U20 Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Loz
Affiliations/job/study: Melville Little Athletics, University of WA, Santa Maria College in Attadale WA (graduated in 2017), Office Junior (real estate).
Getting into the sport: When I was aged six I started Little Athletics with a friend from school, went to all the training sessions and competitions and loved it. I’ve never really known any different, so athletics has just always been what I do.
Memorable moment/s: In 2014 when I won my first National gold medal. I was competing at Australian All Schools Champs and it came down to a jump off with another girl and myself. I was first in the jumping order and the bar went up and down quite a few times so it was pretty nerve wracking, but I got there in the end.
Outside interests: Eating, cooking, going to the beach and watching Netflix
Biggest influence: My mum Steph
Hero: Matthew Ramsden
Goals: Finishing top 10 at the IAAF World U20 Championships is a goal. Longer term goal would be to represent AUS at a senior level.
DATE OF BIRTH 20 Jan 2000Subiaco, WA
STATE WA
COACH Paul Burgess
EVENT Pole Vault
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Pole Vault 4.06m Sydney 16 Mar 2018
LaraILIEVSKI
BIOGRAPHY…In December 2017, Ilievski reached a PB of 49.51m with the 500g javelin however, to qualify for the World U20 Championships by the Trials three months later, she would need to graduate to the heavier implement (600g) and improve to 50m from her existing PB of 43.64m at that weight. In 2018 she made a promising start raising her best to 47.58 the week prior to the National U20 Championships/Trials, although this distance still had her ranked a distant third. The early rounds showed good promise including PBs of 47.59 & 47.93m but was still short of the standard and behind the two leaders who held qualifiers. Lara opened up in the fifth round nailing a mammoth PB throw of 52.08m, enough to win the event and book her ticket to Tampere. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Laz
Affiliations/job/study: Melville Little Athletics Club, Melville Athletics Club, Perth Modern School (graduated 2017)
Getting into the sport: When I was younger I was very competitive and energetic. My parents took me to Little Athletics in attempt to channel that.
Memorable moment/s: Winning nationals and realising I made my first Australian team.Outside interests: beach, shopping, Netflix and netball.
Biggest influence: My older sister
Hero: Jan Zelezny
Goals: To get a PB at World U20 Championships.
DATE OF BIRTH 3 Jun 2000Perth, WA
STATE WA
COACH Grant Ward
EVENT Javelin Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Javelin Throw 52.08m Sydney 15 Mar 2018
56 57ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
CaraJARDINE
BIOGRAPHY…Cara Jardine has been consistently one of the best Australian junior 400/800m athletes for four years clocking 54/55 seconds or 2:06/07 for the last three years straight. She was in tremendous form in late 2016 when she sliced over one second from her 400m to win the National All Schools title in 54.39 and set a new 800m PB of 2:06.68. In the heats of the Australian Commonwealth Games Trials she stormed to a season best in the 400m of 54.85 earning her place on the Australian U20 team to Finland. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Ashgrove Rangers Athletics club, Genesis Christian College (graduated 2017), Griffith Uni (Nathan campus) studying Forensic Science (current), part-time waitress
Getting into the sport: I first became interested in athletics after running a race at my new school, in grade 4. This was when I first realised I could run. I did however become more interested and determined in grade 8.
Memorable moment/s: Winning the 400m at the Australian All Schools in 2016 and coming second in the 800m at the Australian Juniors in 2016.
Outside interests: Mountain walks, walks with dogs, spending time with friends and family, footbiking.
Biggest influence: My parents and God
Hero: I have no particular heroes, but I admire athletes who work hard, have good sportsmanship and are humble.
Goals: Hope to make the 2019 World Championships.
DATE OF BIRTH 17 Oct 2000Melbourne, VIC
STATE QLD
COACH Judith Jardine
EVENT 4x400m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m 54.39 Canberra 3 Dec 2016
SamanthaJOHNSON
BIOGRAPHY…A regular on the hurdles podium at National championships, Samantha Johnson is also a top sprinter and has clocked 11.95. Concentrating on the 100m hurdles over the last two years she has made tremendous progress. In 2017 she ran a best of 14.02 in one of her first attempts at the new U20 hurdle height of 84cm as she strived for the qualifying standard of 13.78 for the IAAF World U20 Championships. In the heats of her State championships she lowered her PB to 13.91. before lining up in the final at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, her last opportunity to achieve the qualifying standard. She performed very well, placing third and clocking a massive PB 13.76 and just 0.02 seconds under the standard. Although placing third she was named in one of the two team positions as the winner was heptathlete Celeste Mucci. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Sam
Affiliations/job/study: Noosa Little Athletics, Noosa Athletics Club, Good Shepherd Lutheran College (graduated 2016), Griffith University Gold Coast - Bachelor of Exercise Science/Master of Physiotherapy (current), part-time retail
Getting into the sport: I started athletics in 2009 when I received a scholarship to my local Little Athletics Club.
Memorable moment/s: Running a World U20 Championships qualifier in the 100m hurdles at nationals - I can’t completely remember the race, but the feeling I got afterwards was an overwhelming amount of relief and happiness. It’s definitely a moment I won’t forget.
Outside interests: Brewing Kombucha, touch football and rugby sevens.
Biggest influence: My sister Summer
Hero: Peter Norman
Goals: 2019 World Uni Games, 2022 Commonwealth Games
Other: I can whistle while smiling
DATE OF BIRTH 21 Apr 1999Nambour, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Mick Hooper
EVENT 100m Hurdles
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m Hurdles 13.76 Sydney 16 Mar 2018
58 59ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
JamesJOYCEY
BIOGRAPHY…James Joycey has been doing athletics for eight years, starting in the shot put and graduating to the hammer throw which he has concentrated on over the last 18 months. He commenced the 2017/18 season with a PB of 63.18m in pursuit of the qualifying standard of 68.50m for the IAAF World U20 Championships. His PB was quickly revised in October to 65.73m, before the next month adding a massive five metres to his PB with a mark of 70.81m becoming just the fifth Australian junior to exceed the 70m barrier. Although his strong season continued with a further three qualifying marks, disaster struck at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, when he fouled his three attempts but was fortunately selected in the World U20 Championships team. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Joycey
Affiliations/job/study: Kew Little Athletics Club, Doncaster Athletics Club, Xavier College (Graduated in 2017), University of Nebraska (Aug 2018 - )
Getting into the sport: I started athletics in 2010. I won my school trial in shot put to go through to the zone level, but they didn’t select me to go through, instead they chose a kid absent on the day who was the biggest in the year who they assumed would be a better shot putter. I was extremely annoyed with that and signed up to my local little athletics club, Kew, to prove to myself and them I was better and have been training ever since.
Memorable moment/s: Throwing a five metre PB to get my first World U20 Championships qualifier.
Biggest influence: My dad. He has always been there to assist and support me in any way he can to help me achieve my goals. Dad has been especially influential in the last year when I have been coaching myself. He has been at the majority of my training sessions supporting me as well as being someone that has provided ideas which have greatly helped my progression. He has provided a lot of support to me through my ups and downs, as well as teaching me to never be satisfied, and that you should always strive for the next goal. Without dad’s influence there’s no way I’d be where I am currently.
Hero: There are a lot of throwers that I look up to for what they have achieved, and I try to learn as much from them as possible. I do admire boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr the extreme confidence he has in his own abilities and the fact he backs up his words every single time when fighting.
Goals: Continual progression into World U20s and achieve my potential as a senior.
Other: Self coached since April 2017
DATE OF BIRTH 12 Oct 1999Melbourne, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Bruce Joycey
EVENT Hammer Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Hammer Throw 70.81m Melbourne 25 Nov 2017
TalosagaKIA
BIOGRAPHY…On the second occasion Talosaga Kia started Little Athletics she found the throwing events and a strong passion for the sport grew from there. Handy in the javelin and shot put, discus is the event Talosaga excels in. A 42m thrower in 2015 and 2016, she overcame a disc injury and started to make rapid progress in the summer of 2017 with her best now at 45.57m. In the summer of 2017/18 Talosaga was chasing the World U20 Championships standard of 48 metres in an event which has great junior depth in Australia. In December and January she was close to the standard with a PBs of 47.61m then 47.78m but in February she unleashed a throw of 50.30m before taking the Australian U20 Championships/Trials with another PB of 50.68m, to secure automatic selection for Tampere, Finland.
GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Saga
Affiliations/job/study: Jimboomba Little Athletics, Jimboomba Athletics, Canterbury College (graduating in 2018).
Getting into the sport: My parents started me in the U8s in Little Athletics as a general social and fun thing to do - I was initially a sprinter. I didn’t enjoy it and stopped but started again in U11s with my best friend at the time. I was then scouted by a javelin coach and it went from there with a very strong passion for the sport.
Memorable moment/s: Unexpectedly making the State championships when I was 11. This year winning the Australian U20 Championships and gaining automatic selection for the Australian team to the World U20 Championships. I am so happy and proud that I can finally do what I love on an international level and show everyone that I can do it.
Outside interests: I like to watch Netflix and play with my dogs. Logan representative for rugby sevens.
Biggest influence: My family who are always helping me and motivating me in every way possible.
Hero: Dani Stevens - she was an international from such a young age and she is just such a mature and humble thrower - an athlete I would like to be like.
Goals: I want to try and make the finals at the World U20 Championships and again make the team in 2020. Also the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Other: I can say hello in 20-30 different languages and love eating Mexican food but hate tomatoes.
DATE OF BIRTH 6 Sep 2001Logan, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Mick Moore
EVENT Discus Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Discus Throw 50.68m Sydney 16 Mar 2018
60 61ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
AlexanderKOLESNIKOFF
BIOGRAPHY…Alexander Kolesnikoff is one of Australia’s finest junior all round throwers and has won national titles in shot, discus and hammer throw. Alexander won his first national title in the shot in 2015 and would go onto win another four as well as winning the shot put, discus and hammer at the 2017 Australian All Schools. In July 2017 he debuted internationally at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas where he placed fourth in the discus, then took gold in the shot. The World U20 standard for shot put (18.65m) was no trouble for him reaching 19.11m in February and then 19.26m a week before the U20 Championships/Trials where he placed second to achieve selection. However, the discus qualification (56.00m) proved to be more challenging. Approaching the Trials without a qualifier and ranked third behind two qualified throwers, Conor McLoughlin and Declan Carmen, Alexander threw the discus out to 56.64m to secure silver behind McLaughlin and qualification for the discus along with the shot. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Chief, Koles, Big AK
Affiliations/job/study: Parramatta Little Athletics Club, Trinity Athletics Club, Trinity Grammar School (graduating in 2018)
Getting into the sport: Started at a school athletics carnival, when I was in grade 3 (9 years old). I broke the school record on the first throw, then started training at school (grade 5).
Memorable moment/s: First nationals (2011 Darwin) - was disappointed after placing fifth but it sparked my passion for the sport. First national gold medal (2015 Melbourne). Commonwealth Youth Games (2017 Bahamas) – learnt from discus disappointment to win shot the next day.
Outside Interests: Movies, fishing, camping.
Biggest Influence: My family - everyone has played a significant role in my development in track and field.Hero: I have many heroes for different circumstances. Shot put world record holder - when I was initially learning the rotational technique in shot put, I watched and analysed his training videos for inspiration and guidance.
Goals: World Championships and Olympic Games & long term an Olympic medal.
DATE OF BIRTH 30 Sep 2000Sydney, NSW
STATE NSW
COACH David Bruce/Allan Sadul
EVENT Shot Put & Discus Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Shot Put 19.74m Mannheim GER 23 Jun 2018
Discus Throw 57.49m Kokemäki FIN 28 Jun 2018
AdamKOPP
BIOGRAPHY…Adam Kopp has encountered more challenges than most growing up. Aged three he was diagnosed with PDD – NOS (Autism spectrum) and aged 15 with motor dyspraxia. Despite this, he has consistently improved his 400m time over the last three years from 51.44 to 47.53 in the 400 metres. He started the summer of 2017/18 with a best of 48.07 seconds and has dipped under the 48 second barrier on six occasions with a best of 47.53. At the Australian U20 Championships/Trials he won his heat in 47.99 and placed a solid fifth in the final to secure 4x400m relay selection for Tampere.
GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: “Koppy” was my main nickname at school, I was also nicknamed “un-co” due to my terrible lack of co-ordination.
Affiliations/job/study: Woodvale (Kingsway) and Sorrento (Hamersley), Tracksters Athletics Club, Duncraig Senior High School (graduated 2016), Edith Cowan University - Exercise and Sports Science (current)
Getting into the sport: I found that I had some natural ability in Year 6 (2010) during cross country and athletics carnivals at school. I immediately enjoyed the sport and wanted to see myself improve.
Outside interests: I enjoy spending time with my younger brothers (taking them out to play, etc.) I also really enjoy listening to music.
Biggest influence: I owe everything to my family, I certainly wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the support of my mum and step dad.
Hero: Usain Bolt, Wayde Van Niekerk, David Rudisha and Allyson Felix.
Goals: I want to run to the absolute best of my ability at the World U20 Championships. In the future I want to progress in the sport and continue to see improvements in myself and be selected in a senior national team.
Other: I was diagnosed with a PDD – NOS (Pervasive developmental disorder – otherwise not specified), which is an Autism spectrum disorder at age 3. As a child, I needed physiotherapy for my poor gross motor skills and muscle tone, as well as occupational therapy, speech therapy and play therapy. I was diagnosed with motor dyspraxia at 15. I lost my father to brain cancer when I was seven. I have one biological brother, one step brother, and one foster brother who has lived with us for the last five years.
DATE OF BIRTH 18 Jan 1999Joondalup, WA
STATE WA
COACH Brian Pozzi
EVENT 4x400m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m 47.53 Perth 1 Feb 2018
62 63ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
AnnamariaLESZCZYNSKA
BIOGRAPHY…Born in Poland and schooled both in Poland and Australia, Annie Leszczynskastarted playing basketball in Poland. She continued this in Australia where she played at a National level until the beginning of 2016, about the same time her athletics was really progressing. In 2016, she won the Australian U17 400m hurdles title in a super 60.19. Her next breakthrough came at the 2018 Australian Open Championships/Commonwealth Games trials when she broke 60 seconds for the first time, clocking 58.87, a second under the qualifying standard for the World U20 Championships. At the Australian U20 Championships/Trials in March she placed second and was named in the Australian team for Tampere, Finland. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Annie, Anna
Affiliations/job/study: North Canberra Athletics Club, Gungahlin Geckos Little athletics club, Lake Ginninderra SSC (graduated 2017); Sydney University - Bachelor of Medical Science (from 2019), studying French (2018)
Getting into the sport: I started running when I was 10 and found that I really enjoyed it, as it came quite naturally to me. The people I was introduced to through the sport made it fun and I formed tight bonds with many of them.
Memorable moment/s: Opens nationals where I ran a huge PB and qualified for World U20’s. Another significant memory I have is of the first time I ran 400m hurdles - I stacked it really badly over the eighth hurdle and didn’t even finish the race.
Outside interests: Studying languages, travelling, reading and sleeping. Basketball - represented ACT at a National level for multiple years.
Biggest influence: So many people who have influenced me throughout my journey and who I imagine will keep doing so, the biggest however will have to be my coach, Suzan Fulop and a high school teacher of mine from my old school.
Hero: I have a great admiration for all those who can overcome adversity and achieve to their highest capabilities no matter how grand it ends up being in the scheme of all things.
Goals: To run a PB and perform to the best of my abilities at World U20s. As well as complete a degree in medical science and qualify for the World University Games next year, one day I hope to represent my country at the Olympic Games or another world titles.
Other: I can speak Polish and some French. My mother, an Australia citizen, was born in Kenya only living there for six years. My father was born and raised in Poland and I have lots of close family still in Poland.
DATE OF BIRTH 18 Feb 2000Warsaw, Poland
STATE ACT
COACH Suzan Fulop
EVENT 400m Hurdles
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m Hurdles 58.87 Gold Coast 17 Feb 2018
NashLOWIS
BIOGRAPHY…At the end of the 2016/17 season Nash Lowis had a Javelin best of 64m (800g) and then during the 2017/18 he embarked on a mission to obtain the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships qualification standard of 68.70m. In September 2017 he nudged the standard with a PB of 68.36m before surpassing the standard easily in February 2018 with a near three metre PB of 71.24m. Ahead of the Australian Junior Championships/Trials two more athletes had joined the 70m club but with only two team positions available the Trial was a close battle. With his fourth round mark out to 66.71m, Nash placed second and earned selection for the Australian team. In June, prior to departing for the World U20s he confirmed his readiness by launching the javelin out to 69.67m.
GETTING TO KNOW…
Affiliations/job/study: North Star Athletics Club, Charters Towers State High School (graduated 2016), working in a cafe
Getting into the sport: 2014
Memorable moment/s: Breaking QLD record and selection in the Australian team for the World U20 Championships.
Outside Interests: Food and touch footy
Biggest Influence: Mother
Hero: Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra
DATE OF BIRTH 6 Nov 1999, Townsville, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Leslye Muller
EVENT Javelin Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Javelin Throw 71.24m
64 65ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
AmeliaMAZZA-DOWNIE
BIOGRAPHY…Amelia Mazza-Downie had early success running 9:38.76 in the 3000m aged 13 years before enjoying another big improvement two years later in 2014, clocking a stunning 9:14.13. That season she was competed at the IAAF World Youth (U18) Championships where she placed 14th. In 2016 she was selected in the Australian team for the IAAF World U20 Championships but withdrew with a stress fracture in her hip. In 2017 she represented Australia at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships competing in the U20 race where she placed 35th. Still eligible for the 2018 World U20 team, Amelia joined an extraordinary number of seven qualifiers chasing two team positions. She started in the trial ranked fifth fastest that summer but won a tactical race in a 9:34.70 to confirm automatic selection for the World U20 team. In June before departure, she indicated she was in good form, clocking a 1500m PB of 4:26.94. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Mazz
Affiliations/job/study: Williamstown Little Athletics Club, Essendon Athletics Club, Maribyrnong College (graduating 2018), waitress/ babysitter
Getting into the sport: I raced in a primary school cross country competition and was naturally good at distance running, so in 2010 I started training with a coach.
Memorable moment/s: Competing in Africa at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in 2017
Outside Interests: Hanging with friends
Biggest Influence: Mum
Hero: Kanye West
Goals: To run a personal best at the World U20 Championships.
DATE OF BIRTH 3 Sep 1999East Melbourne, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Nic Bideau
EVENT 3000m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
3000m 9:14.13 Melbourne 23 Nov 2014
MontannaMCAVOY
BIOGRAPHY…Montanna McAvoy is a very talented all-round sport person. She played hockey and touch football at State level and soccer at a National level. For the last ten years she has taken her athletics seriously and won national titles at four different distances - 3000m, 5000m and 2000/3000m steeplechase. She won her first national gold in 2016 over 3000m before winning the Australian U18 3000m and 2000m steeplechase events to earn selection for the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas, where she placed fifth in the 3000m. For the 2017/18 season she embarked on the new event, 3000m steeplechase and in late 2017 ran an impressive 10:20 debut, ten seconds under the standard for the World U20 Championships. She would go on to clock another two standards, including a PB of 10.10.23 to win the Australian U20 Championships/Trials and secure automatic selection. In June, prior to departing for Europe, she again set a PB 10:03.80 – elevating her to fourth fastest junior in Australian history. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Tanna
Affiliations/job/study: Three Little Athletics clubs - Cassowary Coast/ Cairns/Ipswich, Ipswich & District Athletics Club, Ipswich Girls’ Grammar (graduated 2017), Queensland University of Technology – Business, Media and Communication (current)
Getting into the sport: I started Little Athletics when I was six and have been in the sport ever since. I have always loved to run and started to take it more seriously when I was 10.
Memorable moment/s: Winning five national titles in four different events. The biggest one though would be competing for my country in the Bahamas at the Commonwealth Youth Games. This was the best experience I have had, and I learnt so much from it.
Outside interests: Reading, play other sports - State level in touch football and hockey. Played for Queensland in football (soccer) in U12s (2012), U15s (2015) and twice in U18s (2016-2017).
Biggest influence: Emma Coburn
Hero: My grandad
Goals: To make the final at World U20s in the 3000m steeplechase and hopefully go on to represent my country in the future.
DATE OF BIRTH 21 Jul 2000Cairns, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Jayden Russ
EVENT 3000m Steeplechase
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
3000m Steeplechase 10:03.80 Townsville 10 Jun 2018
66 67ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
CameronMCENTYRE
BIOGRAPHY…Now in his 14th year in the sport, Cameron McEntyre is making his second international appearance for Australia. In 2015 after winning the national U18 championships, he competed at the IAAF World Youth (U18) Championships which unfortunately did not go to plan. Worse was to follow with the need for surgery on his torn rotator cuffs upon return to Australia. After a year of rehabilitation, he threw a PB 75.68m (700g) and graduated to the senior weight javelin (800g). He started the 2017/18 season requiring 68.70m to qualify for the World U20 Championships and opened his season at the Australian University Games with an excellent 69.89m. Over summer he was nudged his PB to 70.63m at the Australian Championships on the Gold Coast and arrived at the Australian U20 Championships/World U20 trials ranked third. In the competition he launched the javelin to solid 67.92m on his first attempt and surprisingly it held up as the winning throw and secured his automatic selection. Before departing Australia in June he indicated he was in top form extending his PB to 70.80m. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Cam
Affiliations/job/study: Ku-ring-gai Little Athletics Club, Sydney Pacific Athletics Club, Knox Grammar School (graduated 2016), Macquarie University - Bachelor of Human Sciences, Major in Human Movement (current)
Getting into the sport: I started because my two elder brothers were competing at Ku-ring-gai Little Athletics and joined what was known then as “Ku-ring-gai kids” at 4/5 years old. As the youngest I always followed what the big brothers got involved in and did pretty much everything until 16/17 years old where I really narrowed in on javelin training.
Memorable moment/s: My first international competition at IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali didn’t go to plan but it was an incredible experience.
Outside interests: Touch football, golf, PlayStation and rugby.
Biggest influence: My family as a whole, they’ve always supported me in what I put my mind to and have driven me to become my best.
Hero: Andreas Thorkildsen, his composure leading into major competitions and technique I loved and is something I try to replicate.
Goals: A podium finish at the World U20 Championships and compete at the 2020 Olympics.
Other: I can bake some mean chocolate chip cookies.
DATE OF BIRTH 10 Feb 1999Sydney, NSW
STATE NSW
COACH Angus McEntyre
EVENT Javelin Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Javelin Throw 70.80m Townsville 10 Jun 2018
Conor MCLOUGHLIN
BIOGRAPHY…Eight years ago an approach by leading throws coach Grahame Pitt put Conor McLaughlin on a journey to wearing the green and gold on the international stage. Although he is very handy with the shot and hammer, it is the discus that Conor excels at. After winning his age (U17) National discus title in 2015, he missed the 2016 summer with a fractured right wrist. He was back in the circle later in the year, winning silver in the discus and hammer throws at the National schools. In early 2017 he comfortably graduated to the heavier discus implement (1.75kg) ahead of the World U20 qualifying period where he would need to reach 56 metres. In March 2017 he won the national U20 title with a three metre PB of 55.48m, so distance-wise things were looking positive. After a four-week competition stint in Germany mid-year, he achieved his first qualifier in December 2017 with a throw of 56.58m before clinching the national U20 title with a PB 57.75m throw to secure automatic selection for the IAAF World U20 Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Pittsworth and District Little Athletics Club, Fairholme Athletics Club, Australian Catholic University – Physiotherapy (2018 - ), coach, retail
Getting into the sport: During my school athletics carnivals I seemed to have a natural throwing ability and then I was approached by a Toowoomba Grammar Teacher who asked if he could coach me. This person was Grahame Pitt who has been coaching me now for 8 years.
Memorable moment/s: Winning U20 Nationals and gaining auto qualifiers for the World U20 Championships.
Outside Interests: Camping, fishing
Biggest Influence: My father
Hero: Definitely my father.
Goals: Overcome obstacles (fractured finger) to compete to my full potential at the 2018 World U20 Championships and my goal is to make the final. After Juniors I plan to finish my degree in Physiotherapy and ideally would like to tour the world with athletic teams.
DATE OF BIRTH 7 Apr 1999Toowoomba, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Grahame Pitt
EVENT Discus Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Discus Throw 57.75m Sydney 15 Mar 2018
68 69ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
LouiseMENDES
BIOGRAPHY…Louise Mendes started athletics aged five in Little Athletics. Within four years she was winning national titles in the throws. She started hammer throwing six years ago for strength training and embraced the new event. She has made strong improvement over the last four years, improving her 4kg annual progression from 41.72m in 2015 to 58.16m in 2018. Three 56 metre PBs in early 2018 moved her tantalisingly close to the World U20 standard (57.00m) then at the Victorian Championships she nailed it, reaching 57.19m. Another two qualifiers and a win at the Australian U20 Championships/team trials locked up automatic selection and in June, just prior to departing for Europe, she raised her PB to 58.16m.
GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Essendon Little Athletics Club, Athletics Essendon, Maribyrnong Secondary College (graduated in 2016), Deakin University - Commerce and Law (current)
Getting into the sport: I started as a five-year-old in Little Athletics, because a friend from kindergarten was doing it and I wanted to give the sport a go. I first threw the hammer at a shield (local competition) meet to get points for my club because the event looked easy enough (I was naive about how much core strength/balance you actually needed). That day I threw something like 13m and told myself I was never going to do that again and that I should just stick to what I know best. After the season ended, my coach at the time, got me throwing hammer as a strengthening exercise and here I am 6 years later!
Memorable moment/s: Winning my first national gold medal at age nine (in discus). Achieving the qualifier for World U20s. Winning my last ever Australian Junior Championship, with another qualifier and securing automatic selection.
Outside interests: Cooking and weightlifting.
Biggest influence: My family and friends
Hero: Dani Stevens.
Goals: I would really like to make the final at the World U20 Championships. Long term, next four years, hopefully selection in a senior Australian team.
DATE OF BIRTH 12 Feb 1999Werribee, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Demetri Dionisopoulos
EVENT Hammer Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Hammer Throw 58.16m Townsville 10 Jun 2018
AshleyMOLONEY
BIOGRAPHY…Ash Moloney is an obviously talented all-rounder with some of his PBs better or close to World U20 Championships qualifying standards (100m, 400m, long jump). In 2016, he won the Australian U18 decathlon with a score of 6618 points, then obliterated that mark five months later posting a tally of 7328. In 2017, he claimed the Australian U18 decathlon record with a score of 7559 before stepping up to compete in a senior decathlon later that year scoring 7438, breaking the Australian U20 record (senior implements). Late in 2017, he nailed his first qualifier for the World U20s, scoring 7365 and then closed the year as the equal number one U18 decathlete in the world (7559 points. In March 2018 at the Australian U20 decathlon in Melbourne, an event which would double as the World U20 trials he was against Gary Haasbroek who was also in fantastic form. It was a terrific battle as Ash set five PBs in the 110mH, long jump and all three throws. He held on for the win with a score of 7740, just 17 points ahead of Gary and moved to number three Australian junior behind Jake Stein and his training partner Cedric Dubler. The month before he departed Australia he posted three new PBs in the 400m (47.01), 110mH (13.89) and discus (45.31m). GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Flash, AshIndividual event PBs: 100m 10.58, long jump 7.54m, shot (6kg) 13.89m, high jump 2.03m, 400m 47.01, 110mH (99cm) 13.89, discus (1.75kg) 45.31m, pole vault 4.60m, javelin 48.03m, 1500 4:50.92.
Affiliations/job/study: Jimboomba Little Athletics, Jimboomba Athletics, Brisbane Boys College (graduated 2017), coaching
Getting into the sport: Wanted to be the fastest at school and I also enjoyed the crowd I’d gather for high jump at primary school when I’d break school records.
Memorable moment/s: First nationals placing second in high jump in a 10cm PB. Learning to jump off my right leg due to injuries and jumped 5cm under my PB at U20 decathlon nationals.
Outside interests: Gym, bush walking, hiking to high peaks/rivers
Biggest influence: My coach for pushing me towards my goals and making me who I am today.
Goals: Medal at World U20 Champs, 2019 World Championships, Gotzis (IAAF meet), 2020 Olympic Games, international medal.
Other: Training with Cedric Dubler is amazing, getting elite athlete advice is extremely useful and also pushing each other benefits us both.
DATE OF BIRTH 13 Mar 2000Brisbane, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Eric Brown
EVENT Decathlon
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Decathlon 7740pts Melbourne 4 Mar 2018
70 71ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
CelesteMUCCI
BIOGRAPHY…Celeste Mucci has made a significant improvement in the last few years. Already a strong hurdler and high jumper, her long jump especially has improved in 2018. In 2015, she showed her class by winning the National U18 title by 500 points with an impressive score of 5430 points including five PBs. In 2016, she competed in four heptathlons scoring between 5254 and 5370 in all competitions, including placing second in the National open championships and competing at the IAAF World U20 Championships. Beginning two 2017 with two PB performances, she then travelled to her former hometown, Florence in Italy, to compete at Multistars, a senior international competition, where she again increased her PB, this time to 5721 included three individual PBs. To start the 201718 season she defeated a top-class domestic field, posting 5870 points, the highest by an Australian for nine years, and a new U20 record. At the Commonwealth Games Trials, the 18-year-old won the national heptathlon title with a score of 5812 points before making her senior international debut at the Commonwealth Games. Celeste performed magnificently at the Games, smashing her 100m hurdles PB in the first event and following up with PBs in the shot put, high jump and javelin adding 45 points to her PB and the Australian U20 record but just missing a medal by 128 points. GETTING TO KNOW…Individual event PBs: 100m 11.85, 200m 24.28, 800m 2:26.96, 100m hurdles 13.19, high jump 1.75m, long jump 6.35m, Shot 12.22m and javelin 43.03m.Affiliations/job/study: Williamstown Athletics Club, Maribynong College (graduated 2017)
Biggest influence: Parents and coach because they’re always there to support me.
Hero: Jessica Ennis-Hill
Other: Speaks Italian.
DATE OF BIRTH 11 August 1999Melbourne, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Darren Clark
EVENT Heptathlon
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Heptathlon 5915pts Gold Coast 13 Apr 2018
JarmilliaMURPHY-KNIGHT
BIOGRAPHY…A solid 400m hurdler for four years now, Jarmillia Murphy-Knight ran her first sub-60 in the semi-final of the senior Nationals in 2017. Embarking on her 2017/18 campaign for selection in the Australian team for the World U20 Championships, Jarmillia just needed to repeat the performance to achieve the qualifying standard of 59.95. Following a series of consistent runs around 61 seconds, at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, she achieved the mark and a PB time of 59.64 to book her ticket to Tampere, Finland. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Milly
Affiliations/job/study: Fast track Athletics Club, Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School (graduated 2017)
Getting into the sport: Started in 2013 because it was fun and something that I’ve always had a passion for.
Memorable moment/s: Running the World U20 Championships qualifier.
Outside interests: Sleeping, art and shopping.
Biggest influence: Coach
Hero: Parents
Goals: 2020 Tokyo Olympics
DATE OF BIRTH 20 Dec 1999Brisbane, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Diane Sheppard
EVENT 400m Hurdles
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m Hurdles 59.64 Sydney 17 Mar 2018
72 73ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
HarveyMURRANT
BIOGRAPHY…At the end of the 2016/17 season Harvey Murrant owned a 400m hurdles PB of 53.94 and knew he needed to improve nearly two seconds to achieve the qualifier for the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships. After running a 400m flat PB in January, he went on a run of hurdle PBs, breaking or equalling his best in four consecutive races. In the third PB, on a windy February day in Melbourne, he nailed the World U20 standard clocking 51.95. He secured automatic selection in March at the Australian U20 Championships and U20 Worlds trials by winning the title. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Harvs, H
Affiliations/job/study: Grovedale Little Athletics (in Geelong), Geelong Guild Athletics Club, Deakin University - Exercise & Sport Science (current), Pool Lifeguard
Getting into the sport: I made it to the state school championships in high jump in grade five and as I enjoyed doing athletics I decided to join a club.
Memorable moment/s: My most memorable moment at 2017 Australian Juniors in the 4x400m relay, coming from behind to win. Also winning Australian Juniors in the 400m hurdles in Perth 2016 and Sydney 2018. Running the World U20 qualifier for the first time unexpectedly on a windy day in Melbourne.
Outside Interests: Watching NBA & AFL, hanging out with mates, shooting hoops. Played Aussie Rules 2013-15 at Geelong Falcons.
Biggest Influence: My coach and training partners. I have such a great squad who are all so friendly and help each other become better athletes.
Hero: Usain Bolt and what he has done for the sport. Wayde Van Niekerk and his humble yet determined approach.
Goals: With some improvement I hope to make the final at the World U20 Championships. As I move into the open age group I want to be very competitive at the national level and push to make senior Australian teams in years to come.
DATE OF BIRTH 7 Mar 1999Geelong, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Joe Gulli
EVENT 400m Hurdles
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m Hurdles 51.95 Melbourne 24 Feb 2018
CamrynNEWTON-SMITH
BIOGRAPHY...Camryn Newton-Smith has made consistent improvement over the last four years in the combined events. In June 2017 she scored 5398 points using U18 implements but over the 2017/18 summer she faced up to the challenge of stepping up to the senior implements and scoring 5300 points to qualify for the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships. She made a good start in October scoring 5166 points and then in January 2018 at just her second attempt, she achieved the standard, scoring 5331 points. At the U20 Trials, held in conjunction with the Victorian Championships, Camryn won the event and secured automatic selection. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Cam Individual event PBs: 100m hurdles 14.04, high jump 1.71m, shot put 11.71m, 200m 25.20, long jump 5.92m, javelin 43.07m, 800m 2:29.50
Affiliations/job/study: Jimboomba Little Athletics, Jimboomba Athletics, Park Ridge State High (graduated 2017), Arkansas State University - Psychology (current)
Getting into the sport: Started in 2005 at Little Athletics in U6s because my older siblings were involved. Memorable moment/s: Achieving the World U20 qualifier at the Qld Combined Event championships with a score of 5331 points.
Outside Interests: playing AFL
Biggest Influence: My eldest brother Lindsay. I watched him do decathlons as I grew up.
Hero: Jessica Ennis-Hill
Goals: Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Other: Her grandfather, Colin Smith, who won the 1958 Commonwealth Games javelin gold medal competing for England.
DATE OF BIRTH 27 Apr 2000Beaudesert, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Ralph Newton
EVENT Heptathlon
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Heptathlon 5331pts Brisbane 7 Jan 2018
74 75ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
NanaOWUSU-AFRIYIE
BIOGRAPHY…A quick 100m of 12.11w aged 14 years at the Australian All Schools was the start of six very consistent years of sprinting by Nana Owusu-Afriyie. A regular on the podium at the National juniors and All Schools Championships, a breakthrough 100m time of 11.86 in 2016 earned her selection in the 4x100m relay for the Australian team going to the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships. Nana continued to make progression toward selection in a second World U20 team in 2018. She trimmed her 100m PB to 11.83, but her real progress was over 200m where at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials she smashed her 200m PB running 23.89 in the heat and a 23.63w in the final, where she placed second. In March she was named in her second World U20 team in the 4x100m. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Nans, Nanabread
Affiliations/job/study: Waverley Little Athletics Club, Box Hill Athletics, Deakin University - Nutrition Science (current), work in retail and coach.
Getting into the sport: In primary school my first PE teacher saw me run at ‘twilight sports’ and begged my parents for a year for me to start Little Athletics. This was when I was aged 10 and I have been running ever since.
Memorable moment/s: Running my first sub-12 in 2015. Being selected for the World U20 Championships in 2016 and 2018 and achieving my first individual qualifier in the 200m.
Outside interests: Online shopping, sleeping and eating. Involved in soccer and ballet at a high level.
Biggest influence: My mum
Hero: Shaunae Miller, Tori Bowie
Goals: To build on the place and time of how well the girls did two years ago when I made my first World U20 Championships. Also, to use this international experience to make the step from a junior to a senior athlete and hopefully make World University Games next year.
DATE OF BIRTH 22 Mar 1999
STATE VIC
COACH Tony Marsh
EVENT 4x100m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m 11.83 Sydney 17 Mar 2018
ClioOZANNE-JAQUES
BIOGRAPHY…Clio Ozanne-Jaques is a globe trotter. She has lived in France and Japan, competed for Australia in Uganda and is studying at university in America. Coached in Australia by British dual-Olympian Jill Boltz in Cairns, she started running in the ‘Pace Project’ running group eight years ago. A few months after a second place in the 3000m at the 2016 Australian junior championships, she headed off to America to study at the University of Mississippi. Some solid cross-country performances gained her selection in the Australian team for the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. This summer in America, Clio has dropped her 5000m PB over the last year from 17:41 to 16:13.82 and earned selection for the IAAF World U20 Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: OJ
Affiliations/job/study: Pace Project (running club in Cairns), University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) - Exercise Science (current)
Getting into the sport: I took up athletics in Year seven after my wonderful coach invited me to train with her daughter.
Memorable moment/s: The experience in Uganda at the World Cross Country Championships and travelling around the States competing for my University.
Outside interests: Travelling and reading.
Biggest influence: Jill Boltz and my dad - both have been positive influences on my running career and have always believed in me.
Hero: Jill Boltz (my coach) and also my mum, has helped me develop into the person that I am today.
Goals: At World U20 Championships I would love to run a PB and get under 16 minutes for the 5000m.
Other: Father Troy Jaques played for the Wallabies and captained the Brumbies (Rugby Union) and was a national swimming champion. I lived in Japan and France for a combined total of eight years and have developed a love for travelling. To compete for my country is an absolute honour
DATE OF BIRTH 17 Jul 1999Sydney, NSW
STATE QLD
COACH Ryan Vanhoy and Jill Boltz
EVENT 5000m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
5000m 16:13.82 Torrance USA 20 Apr 2018
76 77ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
LachlanRAPER
BIOGRAPHY…Lachlan Raper developed a love of athletics through the Great Public Schools Championship (GPS) system. Just two years ago he stepped outside the school system and now finds himself representing Australia at the IAAF World U20 Championships. In 2015 his best was 1:59.35, improved to 1:54.54 the next year. At the start of the 2017/18 summer season he owned a PB 1:52.61 and would have been considered a long shot to qualify for the World U20s (standard 1:50.00). However in November 2017 he became the first qualifier with a massive PB time of 1:49.98. He proved it was no fluke with another qualifier and PB in February of 1:49.96. At the Trials he was supreme, running a third PB of 1:49:59 and winning a highly competitive race to secure automatic selection. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Raper
Affiliations/job/study: Mosman and Northern Suburbs Little Athletics Club, Sydney University Athletics Club, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview (graduated 2017), Sydney University – Arts (current), work - support worker and in a call centre
Getting into the sport: I have always competed in athletics whilst at school but had never looked to take it further until 2016 when I made the NSW Schools team.
Memorable moment/s: It’s hard to go past competing at a Great Public Schools Championship (GPS). The atmosphere is always pretty intense, no matter the result. I have always loved the competition. Winning the Australian Championships U20 800m final earlier this year - I was super stoked and like everyone else that was there I had made numerous sacrifices, so it was incredibly rewarding to see the hard work pay off.
Outside interests: Fishing. Played touch football at a high level.
Biggest influence: No doubt that it is my parents. They have been incredible with their support over the last two years, watching all of my races and constantly encouraging me to do more with my sport. They have also reminded me the importance of having goals outside of athletics and the importance of staying grounded.
Hero: My good mate Nicko always is an absolute legend. He has supported myself over the past 10 years of my life.
Goals: I have had a longstanding ambition to compete at the Olympics, so that is certainly the long-term goal. For World U20 Championships I am aiming to make the 800m final, which will take a PB, but I believe I have much more to give on the track.
DATE OF BIRTH 14 Aug 1999Sydney, NSW
STATE NSW
COACH Ben Liddy
EVENT 800m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
800m 1:49.59 Sydney 10 Mar 2018
AlexandraROBERTS
BIOGRAPHY…A leading Australian javelin thrower in her age for many years, Alexandra Roberts put her name in the record books when she broke the Australian U16 javelin record in December 2016 with a throw of 51.09m (500g). In 2017 she competed at the Commonwealth Youth Games where she placed fourth in the javelin, only beaten for the bronze medal on countback. During these couple of years she was also successfully graduating to the senior weight javelin (600g) and in 2018 compiled a very consistent season of results as she pursued the qualifying distance of 50.00m for the IAAF World U20 Championships. Despite being just 16, she was very competitive at the 2018 Australian Championships/Commonwealth Games trials pushing her PB to 49.68m in qualifying and ultimately placing 5th in the final. At the Australian U20 Championships/Trials her first, second and fourth throws all went beyond the World U20 standard but within a very tight competition Alex’s throw of 50.55m was enough to hang on for silver and be named in the team. Impressively, Alex is young enough to still be eligible for the 2020 World U20 Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Alex
Affiliations/job/study: Algester Little Athletics, Gold Coast Victory Club, Brisbane State High School (year 12 in 2018)
Getting into the sport: I joined Little Athletics around 2011 – originally because my younger brother was a good runner so mum and dad enrolled us all in Little Athletics. I started throwing the javelin because I needed a fifth event at an athletics carnival and I didn’t want to run an 800m race.
Memorable moment/s: Winning Under 18 Javelin at the 2017 Australian Championships and being selected for the Commonwealth Youth Games. The atmosphere and celebrations of the athletes at the closing ceremony for the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas. Being selected for World U20 Championships.
Outside interests: I like to play volleyball, love to fish and go camping with my family, enjoy going to the movies.
Biggest influence: My biggest supporters – my mum and dad and my coach Brett Green.
Hero: I admire Sara Kolak and Barbora Spotakova. Sara because she won the Olympics at 22 and Barabora Spotakova because she holds the women’s javelin world record.
Goals: To throw a personal best at World U20 Championships and qualify for the finals. After that, I am looking towards a second World U20s (2020) and looking to compete at an Olympic level either 2020 or 2024.
DATE OF BIRTH 9 Apr 2001Brisbane, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Brett Green
EVENT Javelin Throw
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Javelin 50.55m Sydney 15 Mar 2018
78 79ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
JemimaRUSSELL
BIOGRAPHY…Jemima loves sport and has participated in dozens of sports, but it is athletics in which she will make her international debut. Following closely in the footsteps of her mother Sharon Russell (nee Stewart), who was one of Australia’s finest ever 400m/800m athletes, Jemima is carving out an outstanding career herself in the same events. While her 400m times have been steady, around 55 seconds, over the last four years, she has really progressed over the half-mile to an outstanding 2:04.89 and is now in the top-20 Australian juniors of all-time. Under coach Peter Fortune for the last four years, last season she placed second in the 800m at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials to secure selection for Tampere. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Mimez, Mima, Mim
Affiliations/job/study: Sandy Little Athletics Club, Sandringham Athletic Club, Caulfield Grammar School (graduated 2017), University of Southern California - business majoring in accounting (current)
Getting into the sport: I took up athletics in U10s when I joined Sandy Little Athletics. I joined because it was just another fun sport to be involved in, and in my younger years I endeavoured to participate in as many sports as possible.
Memorable moment/s: Making this 2018 World U20 Championships Team, my first Australian team.
Outside interests: Brunching, beaching, napping, shopping and driving. Sports - basketball, netball, swimming, surf life-saving, tennis, softball, rowing, cross country, gymnastics and skiing.
Biggest influence: In an athletics sense my biggest influences would be my coach, Peter Fortune, my mum, Sharon Russell, and the girls in my training squad.
Hero: The athletes that have inspired me the most as I have come through the junior years of the sport would be; Morgan Mitchell, Annie Rubie, Linden Hall and Tamsyn Lewis.
Goals: My ambition/goal for the meets leading up to and including World U20 Championships will be to run a PB.
Other: Sporting relatives - my mother Sharon Russell (nee Stewart), was a 400m/800m runner and Commonwealth Games medallist.
DATE OF BIRTH 5 May 1999Melbourne, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Peter Fortune
EVENT 800m, 4x400m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m 55.36 Sydney 27 Mar 2017
800m 2:04.89 Melbourne 16 Mar 2017
BenjaminSCHMIDTCHEN
BIOGRAPHY…An all-round jumper, Ben’s two best events are the long and triple jump. At 16, he was favouring the triple jump, holding a PB 14.54m but only 6.76m for his long jump. In 2017 the international competition on offer was the Commonwealth Youth Games and he stepped up his long jump form, winning selection with an outstanding 7.42m. In Nassau, he went on to place second with 7.54w which launched him into the 2018 season ready to eclipse the standard for the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships long jump of 7.55m. He also faced the tough triple jump standard of 15.60m, but under the jumps coaching master Gary Bourne, he opened his 2018 campaign with a long jump qualifier of 7.58m and a massive metre PB of 15.42m in the triple. At the World U20 Championships/Trials, he won the long jump with another PB 7.64m earning automatic selection and placed second in the triple jump. In June before he departed Australia for Europe he raised his long jump PB to 7.66m. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Ben
Affiliations/job/study: Deception Bay Little Athletics, Mayne Harriers Club, St Columbians College, Timber man in a timber yard at Bunnings.
Getting into the sport: Took up little athletics in 2009 because I could always run the fastest and jump the furthest in primary school. Won high jump at nationals in 2011 and progressed my way from there.
Memorable moment/s: Winning my first national title. Placing second at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
Outside interests: Surfing, playing mechanic on my car/s.
Biggest influence: myself
Goals: Stay Injury free and jump over eight metres at the World U20 Championships.
DATE OF BIRTH 9 Feb 2000Caboolture, QLD
STATE QLD
COACH Gary Bourne
EVENT Long Jump
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
Long Jump 7.75m Jämsä FIN 30 Jun 2018
80 81ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
KyleSWAN
BIOGRAPHY…Kyle Swan, 19, is already building a long international resume with the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships his fourth world championship in four years. He made his international debut in 2015 at the IAAF World Youth Championships. In 2016 and 2018 he competed in the IAAF World Racewalking Teams Championships. His most recent appearance in May in Taicang China, where he smashed his PB clocking 41:44 to place 10th. A second place in March at the Australian U20 Championships/Trials secured selection for Tampere. GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Swanny
Affiliations/job/study: Knox Little Athletics, Athletics Nunawading, Melbourne High School (graduated 2017), The University of Melbourne - Biomedicine (current)
Getting into the sport: I took up athletics when I was seven-years-old (2006/2007 season), following in the footsteps of my older brother. However, I only began training for racewalking when I was 12 years old.
Biggest influence: My parents.
Hero: Jared Tallent
Goals: At the 2018 World U20 Championships I hope to walk a personal best and ideally finish in the top five. Looking further ahead, I hope to one day become an Olympian.
DATE OF BIRTH 28 Mar 1999Melbourne, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Brent Vallance
EVENT 10,000m Walk
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
10,000m Walk 42:47.31 Adelaide 11 Feb 2018
CarleyTHOMAS
BIOGRAPHY…Carley Thomas, a competing athlete for over 10 years, has made steady progress to the very top. At just 16 last December she smashed her 800m PB running 2:05.40 as she won the Australian All Schools title. The great summer form continued with four PBs over 400m (now down to 54.33) and winning the national U18 800m title. Carley was selected for her international debut at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games where she won gold in the 800m and 4x400m relay. In December she took 1.38 seconds off her 800m best to clock a stunning 2:03.66 and closed out the 2018 summer with two 400m PBs (a best of 53.95) and the national U20 800m title, which secured automatic selection for the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Hills District Little Athletics, UTS Norths Club, Castle Hill High School (graduating 2018)
Getting into the sport: I took up athletics for fun around the age of seven at Little Athletics.
Memorable moment/s: My 800m and 4 x 400m wins at the Commonwealth Youth Games were extremely memorable. I loved everything about being part of an Aussie team, enjoying new experiences and building friendships with people who have similar goals.
Outside interests: Reading, painting/drawing (anything creative), hanging out and doing things with my family e.g. backyard cricket, trips to the beach and baking. Sports at state level - swimming, cross country and water polo.
Biggest influence: I feel as though I am influenced by many positive people making a difference in the world and overcoming obstacles. My first coach, John Atterton, has been and will always be a huge influence with my athletics and in life – he fostered an enjoyment of running, working hard and staying positive. I owe a lot to my mum and dad who have always encouraged me and provided me with support and advice throughout my athletics journey. So, they have definitely been the biggest influence on my running and who I am today.
Goals: My goal for World U20 Championships is to prepare and compete to the best of my ability, keeping in mind that I am also completing my Higher School Certificate. World U20s will be another opportunity to race against the best juniors in the world and I will give it everything I have! Long term I would love to continue in the direction I am going and hopefully make it to Tokyo 2020!
Other: Sporting/famous relatives: My dad was a well-known triathlete in the ‘90s and was four-time Australian Ironman Triathlon Champion and placed seventh in Hawaii.
DATE OF BIRTH 26 December 2000Sydney, NSW
STATE NSW
COACH Penny Gillies
EVENT 800m, 4x400m Relay
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
400m 53.95 Sydney 11 Feb 2018
800m 2:03.66 Melbourne 19 Dec 2017
82 83ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
DeclanTINGAY
BIOGRAPHY…Over the last four years Declan Tingay has steadily improved his 10,000m walk PB, a minute or so each year. In March 2018 he won the Australian U20 Championships/Trial in a 61 second PB, clocking a sensational 41:07.88 to just missi Olympian Dane Bird-Smith’s national record. It was the second occasion he had just missed a national record after he clocked 20:08.1 in the 5000m walk in 2017, just 1.2 seconds outside the best Australian mark. Making his international debut in May 2018 at the IAAF World Racewalking Teams Challenge in China, despite a time penalty during the race, he still recorded a 10km road walk PB 42:01 to place 14th. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Southern Districts Little Athletics Club, Athletics Western Australia, University of Western Australia - Sports Science & Exercise and Health, casual retail running shop.
Getting into the sport: Around U14s, my coach and one of my friends were both walkers and they inspired me try the event semi-seriously. I got to the point where the walk was the only thing I was good at (I wasn’t a good enough runner for the 1500), so I stuck with it.
Memorable moment/s: Being paced to a 19:38 5000m by Olympians Evan Dunfee (CAN) and Quentin Rew (NZL) to fall just short of the national U20 record.
Hero: Jared Tallent - despite all the hardships he’s gone through he still remains a quality bloke.
Goals: The 2019 World University Games, 2020 Olympics and 2021 World Champs.
DATE OF BIRTH 6 Feb 1999Los Angeles, USA
STATE WA
COACH Steve Tingay
EVENT 10,000m Walk
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
10,000m Walk 41:07.88 Canberra 14 Jan 2018
JoshuaTORLEY
BIOGRAPHY…Josh Torley has been a long-distance runner for many years but can also mix it with the best over middle distance events. He was selected for the IAAF World U20 Championships after a sensational 10,000m performance of 29:58.94 to place 14th in the Zatopek race in December 2017, a result that time was 50 seconds under the standard. He pursued selection in other events over summer. Chasing the 1500m and 5000m standards of 3:48.00 and 14:15 respectively, he ran 3:51 and a tantalisingly close 14:15.22. Over the 1500m he was not able to match his pre-qualifying period best of 3:45.54.
GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Western Creek Athletics Club
DATE OF BIRTH 30 Apr 1999
STATE ACT
COACH Paul Torley
EVENT 10,000m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
10,000m 29:58.94 Melbourne 14 Dec 2017
84 85ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA 2018 IAAF WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA GUIDE athletics.com.au
ArchieWALLIS
BIOGRAPHY…From the point when he realised he had athletics ability, Archie Wallis has made very quick progress in athletics, particularly at 800m, reducing his PB of 1:51.34 to 1:49.51 in 2016. He faced the challenge of clocking another sub-1:50 World U20 standard over the summer of 2017/18 to enhance his chances of selection in the Australian team for the IAAF World U20 Championships. In December and January, he had three consecutive sub-1:51 runs but a decision to run the Australian Open Nationals/Commonwealth Games trials were key as he enjoyed a quick race clocking 1:49.92 for fourth in his heat. He had nailed the standard but his next target was the Australian U20 Championships/World U20 trials where four athletes had qualifiers. He ran a terrific race to place second and the next week was named in the Australian team for his international debut. GETTING TO KNOW…Affiliations/job/study: Old Scotch Athletics, Scotch College (graduated 2017)
Getting into the sport: First started athletics in year nine when I first moved schools to Melbourne from Bendigo (I was a boarder). I ran a 2.11 off a 56 first lap - and my current coach Sean Whipp and Michael Jones got me to come back to training and we have been working together since.
Memorable moment/s: Mt first real competitive race at Associated Public Schools (APS) athletics finals in 2014 where I won. I had zero self-belief, I didn’t believe I should have been representing my school, but I won that race, and from then on, I have loved the sport and believed that I could make something of my talent.
Outside Interests: Watching running videos, listening to music. Play tennis at a high level.
Biggest Influence: Sean Whipp my coach
Hero: Sebastian Coe
Goals: I want to retire believing that I have done my absolute best. I want to make the final at IAAF World U20s and run at least 1.48.5 on the trip.
DATE OF BIRTH 7 Nov 1999Bendigo, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Sean Whipp
EVENT 800m
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
800m 1:49.51 Canberra 4 Dec 2016
LateishaWILLIS
BIOGRAPHY…
Lateisha Willis, a top-quality sprinter has made good progress moving up the hurdle distances and heights in her speciality the 100m hurdles. 2016 was an outstanding year where she ran 13.43 (76cm hurdles) to win the Australian Schools title, but also surprised with 11.89w in the 100m. Later that summer she ran a 11.90 100m and progressed to 13.38 in the 100m hurdles. She competed at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas where she won a silver medal. The 2017/18 summer season brought a few challenges - she injured her back (sciatic nerve) missing much of the season, then upon return injured her Achilles and was out for another month. She also had to move up to the senior hurdle height. Two weeks before the Australian U20 Championships/Trials, she nailed the mark by 0.02 clocking 13.76. At the championships she placed second behind heptathlete Celeste Mucci in a very strong field and the next week was named in the team. Injury free, she ran a PB 13.59 in June prior to departing Australia for the World U20s.
GETTING TO KNOW…Nickname: Teish, Teisha Affiliations/job/study: Yarra Ranges Little Athletics, Ringwood Athletics Club, Mooroolbark College (graduated in 2017), Deakin University - Nutrition Science (current)
Getting into the sport: I took up athletics in 2010 due to obtaining many injuries from my previous sport of gymnastics. Due to being flexible, my mum thought I’d try hurdles and triple jump and I have never looked back.
Memorable moment/s: Competing at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017 and placing second. Winning the Oceania Melanesian Championships in the 100m and 100m hurdles (2016). Meeting Alex Hartmann and Asafa Powell at Nitro.
Outside Interests: Trampolining, gymnastics and binge-watching Netflix.
Biggest Influence: Sally Pearson when I was younger and now Queen Harrison - I love her passion towards athletics and women.
Hero: Sally Pearson and Queen Harrison.
Goals: At the World U20 Championships I am hoping to make the semi-final for the 100m hurdles and achieve a personal best of under 13.50. In the future hope to make the Commonwealth Games, world championships and Olympic Games teams.
Other: My father is from Ghana, Africa.
DATE OF BIRTH 11 Feb 2000Melbourne, VIC
STATE VIC
COACH Peter Benifer
EVENT 100m Hurdles
PERSONAL BEST PERFORMANCES
100m Hurdles 13.59 Townsville 10 Jun 2018