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Blake Lucas - A star on the rise
Currently poised to see out 2009 as the best junior pole vaulter in the world, Blake Lucas has leapt ahead since relocating to Melbourne in an effort to strengthen his chances of 2010 Commonwealth Games qualification.
Originally from Sydney, 19-year old Lucas relocated with the blessing of his parents following acceptance at RMIT University where he is completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation).
“My parents said if I got into university, I could move down to Melbourne to train and I did, so they’re funding me now,” he says.
Attributing his success to the constant competition between himself and fellow training partners Joel Pocklington, Cameron Sherry and James Filshie, Lucas commenced pole vaulting at the age of 14 before first competing for Australia at the World Youth Games two-and-a-half years later.
Today, Lucas is focussing his attention on the upcoming Australian athletics season and competing alongside Steve Hooker at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
With qualification events to be held next April, 2009 has proven to be the ideal stepping stone for Lucas becoming the 2009 National Champion and a new personal best of 5.55m at a Melbourne meet in the lead up to competing at the World University Games held in Belgrade.
Lucas, however, admits that despite his current success the road to Delhi will be long and arduous.
Conversely, however, Lucas knows that effort will all be worth it should he qualify.
“The best feeling is when you clear a bar that you haven’t already cleared before.”
“It’s that second in the air when you’re free falling and thinking, ‘I’ve cleared it!’”
Together with Lucas for the journey is coach Mark Stewart.
“Blake is a real talent,” he says.
“He is currently jumping better than Steve Hooker at a similar age but to continue to prosper Blake needs the support of the wider athletics fraternity to be the best he can be.”
“Unfortunately, the reality is that natural talent, determination and coaching aren’t the only factors in ensuring great results.”
Lucas will next compete at this weekend’s Inter-Club meet to be held at Doncaster.
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