04.01.2010

Under 19 Talent Squad announced

Invitations to join the Athletics Australia Under 19 Talent Squad have been issued across the past month, with a total of 31 athletes asked to take part.

Similarly to the Target 2012 squad, the Under 19 program attempts to provide young athletes with the mental and physical capabilities to succeed now and into the future.

Led by Athletics Australia Youth High Performance Manager Sara Mulkearns, the invited squad members were selected by a committee comprising Denise Boyd, Glynis Nunn-Cearns, Grant Ward and Craig Hilliard.

On the back of performances at the 2009 UTAS Australian All Schools and Youth Athletics Championships and other notable junior competitions across Australia, Mulkearns said the abundance of junior talent made the selection process difficult.

“Australian junior athletics has a great depth of outstanding competitors and this made it a tough selection process,” Mulkearns said.

“There were many athletes who just missed out but it's hoped that in the future we’ll be able to nurture them in a similar program.”

As the flagship youth program offered by Athletics Australia, the Under 19 Talent Squad provides members with the opportunity to:

-          take part in a mentoring program led by some of Australia’s most recognisable former athletes

-          attend elite training camps aimed at strengthening their competitive abilities

-          undertake tutelage from Athletics Australia Youth Event Coaches

-          participate in educational sessions developed to improve preparedness for international competition and recovery techniques

The first camp will coincide with the Briggs Athletics Classic in Hobart on Friday, February 12, allowing squad members to compete in the Australian Athletics Tour.

After an outstanding performance in the 800m and 1500m at the Australian All Schools in December, Jordan Williamsz is one squad member bound for Hobart.

“The World Junior Championships are next year and I have my sights firmly focused on not just qualifying but performing well,” Williamsz said.

“This program will only strengthen my chances of making the team, it’s a great way to train with other athletes and it will help me become a stronger athlete on and off the track.”

Athletes invited to join the squad are:

Beth Alexander (Vic) - walks                                   

Luanga Andria (Qld) - javelin                                  

Alexander Beck (Qld) - 400m                       

Joel Bee (Vic) - 400m                                   

Dane Bird-Smith (Qld) - walks                      

Damien Birkinhead (Vic) - throws               

Kuey Diew (Qld) - 400m/800m                      

Sean Fitzsimons (WA) - walks                                   

Kane Grimster (Vic) - middle distance        

Jake Hammond (NSW) - sprints                      

Kurt Jenner (NSW) - long jump                                   

Robert Johnson (Qld) - hammer throw        

Alix Kennedy (NSW) - discus throw                        

Rebecca Marchant (Vic) - pole vault         

Lara Nielsen (Qld) - hammer throw

Lauren O’Sullivan (Qld) - sprints

Huw Peacock (Tas) - hammer throw

Ellen Pearce (WA) - pole vault

Amy Pejkovic (NSW) - high jump

Alex Rowe (Vic) - middle distance

Caitlin Sargent (Qld) - sprints

Steven Solomon (NSW) - 400m hurdles

Blake Steele (SA) - walks

Brooke Stratton (Vic) - long jump

Rachel Tallent (Vic) - walks

Kertisha Thompson (Qld) - long/triple jump

Matt Turk (Vic) - sprints

Tara Whitehead (Qld) - long jump

Rory Williams (Qld) - 400m hurdles

Raheen Williams (NSW) - 400m hurdles

Jordan Williamsz (Vic) - middle distance

Athletics Australia congratulates all athletes selected to the Under 19 Talent Squad for 2010.