From Brisbane to Berlin

Australia’s established and emerging stars will be vying for the coveted title of national champion at the 87th Australian Athletics Championships which commence this Thursday (March 19 - 21) at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre in Brisbane.

The 87th Australian Championships double as the selection trials for this year’s world championships in Berlin, and whilst the trials are not the final opportunity for athletes to be selected for the world titles, victory can ensure automatic selection for those athletes who already possess an 'A' qualifier.

Although Sally McLellan (100m hurdles) and Youcef Abdi (3000m steeplechase) have already been pre-selected amongst others, many will be endeavouring to secure their position on the Australian team including one lap wonders Sean Wroe and Joel Milburn, world junior discus champion Dani Samuels, world indoor champion Tamsyn Lewis, and in-form emerging stars 400m hurdler Tristan Thomas and javelin thrower Kimberley Mickle.

Looking ahead to London 2012, this is also a prime opportunity for the next generation to stand up and make an impression.

- Given the depth of talent, the men’s 400m will be the race of the championships. Victorian Olympian Sean Wroe dominated in Sydney and Melbourne, but can he hold off reigning national champion Joel Milburn (NSW) and Commonwealth Games champion John Steffensen (NSW) or will rising star Kurt Mulcahy (AIS) step up and take them all by surprise?

- Will Sally McLellan (QLD) hold off young sprint sensation Melissa Breen (ACT) and capture her fourth 100m/100m hurdles double?

- Can Tamsyn Lewis (VIC) add national title no. 14 and 15 to her impressive collection in the women’s 400m and 800m?

- In the blue-riband men’s 100m, indigenous athlete Otis Gowa caused a major upset last year to take out the national title ahead of his more fancied rivals. Gowa is currently injured and won’t have an opportunity to defend his title. Will another roughie surprise this year, or will the in-form Aaron Rouge-Serret (VIC) or Matt Davies (QLD) claim their first national title?

- The battle between 2008 World Athletics Final winner Fabrice Lapierre (NSW) and emerging Queenslander Mitchell Watt in the men’s long jump will be one of the highlights of the championships. Can the boys once again jump over eight metres?

- AIS 400m hurdler Tristan Thomas has been the story of the season, with numerous personal bests over 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and the 400m hurdles. Can Thomas continue his stellar run of form and cement his place in his first world championships team?

- After defeating reigning Olympic discus champion Stephanie Brown-Trafton in Sydney and Melbourne, Dani Samuels is riding high. After coming so close this Australian summer, can she improve on her personal best of 62.95m produced at last year’s nationals?

- And how will the other Beijing Olympians fare? - Madeleine Pape (400m/800m), Sarah Jamieson and Lisa Corrigan (1500m), Donna MacFarlane (3000m steeplechase), Alana Boyd (pole vault), Clinton Hill (400m), Lachlan Renshaw (800m), Jeff Riseley (1500m), Youcef Abdi (3000m steeplechase) and Scott Martin (shot put/discus).

Out in force to promote the championships yesterday were some of Australia's finest pole vaulters, taking to the streets of Brisbane for an exhibition event in the centre of the city. Athletes, including current women's national champion Alana Boyd, showed off their high-flying skills to a crowd of onlookers all gearing up for the start of competition tomorrow.

Competition commences at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre at 12.40pm on Thursday with feature races commencing at 6.50pm. The action continues on Friday (main program from 6.45pm) and concludes on Saturday (main program from 5.45pm).
                                                                                                            
Tickets are available at the gate:
•    Thursday - $10 for adults and $5 concession (12-18)
•    Friday - $20 for adults and $10 concession (12-18)
•    Saturday - $20 for adults and $10 concession (12-18)