29.12.2009

Pittman-Rawlinson returns in Devonport

Two-time world 400m hurdles champion Jana Pittman-Rawlinson has today made her long-awaited return to competitive athletics as she launches her bid to reignite her international career.

Twenty-seven-year-old Pittman-Rawlinson made a low-key return to racing, traveling to the Apple Isle to line up in the 400m and 70m sprints on a grass track at the Devonport Athletics Carnival.

Contesting the Devonport meet for the first time since 2005, Pittman-Rawlinson ran from scratch - starting 16m behind her nearest rival - to place fourth in her heat of the 400m, stopping the clock at 56.68 and just missing out on a place in the final.

She later progressed through two rounds of qualifying to contest the final of the short 70m sprint, placing second to Launceston athlete Laura Nicholson, who crossed the line in 8.62.

Today's race marks Pittman-Rawlinson's first competitive outing since reuniting with coach and husband Chris Rawlinson after a brief stint under AIS mentor Craig Hilliard.

The Devonport run was also Pittman-Rawlinson's first competitive appearance since injury forced her withdrawal from the Berlin world championships in August, a hamstring problem caused by a bulging disc in her back prohibiting her world title defence.

While the times fell well short of her usual standard, Pittman-Rawlinson was tonight ecstatic her body had held together following a frenetic four races in four hours.

“The body's perfect, 100 per cent,” she said.

“I guess I was a bit afraid of the 400m, I have only done endurance training until now but I feel really good. Now it's the 800m tomorrow night.”

It is Pittman-Rawlinson's fourth appearance at the Devonport Carnival after previous visits in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

The dual world champion will this season contest the Australian Athletics Tour, culminating in the 88th  Australian Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games selection trials, as she commences her bid for selection to New Delhi (IND) in October and on to the London Olympics in 2012.

Pittman-Rawlinson will return to the Devonport track on tomorrow's second and final day of action, where she will take on Beijing Olympian Lisa Corrigan over 800m. Also hitting the track will be Australian Flame athlete Tristan Thomas, who lines up in the men's 400m.

With The Examiner, Launceston