17.11.2008

On Target for London 2012

Twenty-two of Australia’s most talented young athletes have been selected in Athletics Australia’s inaugural Target 2012 squad which was launched in Melbourne late last week.

As the name suggests the squad aims to help athletes develop the skills and support networks to take the step from successful junior athlete to the senior ranks and reach success on the International stage. Sights are firmly set on the Olympic Games in London 2012 but as Athletics Australia’s National Youth Performance Manager, Sara Mulkearns points out “there are a lot of gaps and it’s an age that talented athletes have to work hard to get over the gaps or they fall out of the sport. We are confident we have found the talent and with this program hope to help them to realise their potential.”

The elite youngsters joined as a squad for the first time in Melbourne over the weekend, with athletes participating in education sessions, motivational talks, medical screening and training sessions with some of Australia’s leading coaches, including Penny Gillies, Craig Hilliard and Grant Ward.

The launch of the squad took place at Eureka Skydeck 88 - ‘The Edge’, where athletes were asked if they were willing to take that next step as they ventured out onto the glass cube suspended at almost 300 metres above the ground. Mulkearns explained, “It is about assessing what an athlete has done to get to this level and then asking them to step out of their comfort zone and ask what needs to be done to reach that next level and make it to the 2012 Olympic Games”.

The squad boasts a number of Olympians and Australian champions who are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, “It is a chance to take in all the things that we are and the great opportunities we have as athletes as we look towards the 2012 Olympic Games.” said Australian champion in the 400m hurdles Tristan Thomas.

“Anything can be done if we put our mind to it and we work hard” he concluded.

Congratulations to the following athletes named in the Target 2012 squad:

Lauren Boden (ACT)    400m hurdles     
Jacinta Boyd (QLD)   Long jump
Matt Boyd (QLD)  Pole vault
Laura Cornford (NSW)  Javelin throw
Robbie Crowther (QLD)    Long jump
Catherine Drummond (QLD)   High jump
Dylan Grant (QLD)    400 metres
Charmaine Lucock (QLD)    Pole vault
Justin Merlino (NSW)    110m hurdles
Joel Milburn (NSW)     400 metres
Cal Pearce (QLD)   High jump
Ellen Pettitt (WA)     High jump
Lachlan Renshaw (NSW)    800 metres
Jeff Riseley (VIC)    800 & 1500 metres
Josh Robinson (QLD)    Javelin throw
Adam Rutter (NSW)     Walks
Dani Samuels (NSW)    Discus throw
Jaimie -Lee Starr (NSW)    400 metres
Joe Stevens (VIC)    Shot put
Tristan Thomas (TAS)    400m hurdles
John Thornell (NSW)    Long jump
Brad Woods (NSW)    1500 metres