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Young talent time in Pune
The Commonwealth Youth Games have provided a launching pad for a number of renowned international athletes, and this Sunday the next generation of Australia’s athletics champions will make their mark at the third edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games, which will be held in Pune, India from October 12 – 18.
One of those athletes to have prospered since their debut at the Commonwealth Youth Games is 100m hurdles Olympic silver medallist Sally McLellan.
McLellan has fond memories of her experience at the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo, where she won the gold in the 100m hurdles and bronze in the 100m and relay.
Benefiting from the invaluable experience, McLellan was rewarded with selection in the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games team just two years later, before going on to win the silver medal in Beijing.
“To represent your country at an international event is an absolute honour. I have some great memories from my time in Bendigo and I wish the Australian team all the best in Pune,” said McLellan.
“Travelling overseas, living in an athlete’s village, mixing with international athletes and competing on the international stage will be a great learning experience for those on the 2008 team.”
Dreaming of following in McLellan’s footsteps are a number of talented emerging athletes.
The 34-strong athletics team includes Queensland young gun Lauren O’Sullivan who is expected to make an impact on the track in the sprints, whilst Victorian javelin throwers Bianca Maurer and Luke Bissett will be hoping to go one better after just missing out on a place on the podium at last year’s world youth athletics championships.
Victorian high jumper Molly Grau is in top form recently posting a world youth championships qualifier and 400m runner Nick Frost from Queensland is also in personal best form after a string of quality races on the Gold Coast.
Sole Tassie representative Huw Peacock (hammer throw), younger brother of Hamish Peacock, and West Australian duo Brianna Beahan (100m hurdles) and Ellen Pearce (pole vault) are rapidly improving youngsters.
Jump Start to London member Ray Williams (WA) has one of the busiest programs, set to compete in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m.
The 100-strong Australian team will be amongst 1300 rising stars from 71 Commonwealth nations in Pune, who will contest the nine sports on the program – athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, wrestling and weightlifting.
The first Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2000 where 733 athletes from 14 countries competed in eight sports. In Bendigo, over 1000 athletes and officials from 22 countries took part in the 10 sport programme.
The Australian Team Handbook and further information can be found on the ACGA website www.commonwealthgames.org.au
Daily reports and results from Pune will be posted on www.commonwealthyouthgames.com.au throughout the Games.
TEAM AUSTRALIA - ATHLETICS SECTION
Nicky Frey (VIC) – section manager
Aidan Rich (VIC) – physiotherapist
Sharon Hannan (QLD) – coach
Sandro Bisetto (VIC) – coach
Mark Stewart (VIC – coach
Dion Collins (QLD) - coach
View team profiles
| Ainsley | Ackerman | QLD
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