28.08.2009

Tallent on show at Parramatta Park

Just two weeks after contesting the women's 20km walk at the world titles in Berlin, AIS athlete Claire Tallent is back in action this weekend at the Australian road walking championships at Parramatta Park, New South Wales.

While Tallent, who clocked 1:38.12 to place 27th in Berlin headlines the field, reigning national champion and Beijing Olympian Kellie Wapshott, who posted 1:32.57 to take out last year's title, is also a genuine threat.

Korean entrant Jeon Yong Eun will be in the mix if she can match the personal best 1:34.41 she set in May this year.

In the absence of 2008 medallists Jared Tallent, Luke Adams and Adam Rutter, who are recovering from their efforts at the world championships in Berlin, the weekend's men's event will see a new national champion crowned.

Ian Rayson will start as warm favourite, the young racer posting a new personal best time of 1:27.29 over the 20km distance in China in April before placing 21st at the World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia, in July, stopping the clock at 1:30.59.

Brendon Reading, a 1:30.19 walker on the improve and Daniel Coleman, who recorded a 1:33.26 in 2008, should also figure in the final standings.

In the U18 women's 10,000m event rising star Rachel Tallent, the younger sister of dual Olympic medallist Jared Tallent, will look to continue her rise through the ranks at Parramatta Park.

With David Tarbotton and Ron Bendall for Athletics NSW