26.11.2009

Ormrod fires at Adelaide Invitational

Dual Olympian Mark Ormrod made an emphatic return to the track last night at the opening meet of the Adelaide Invitational Series for season 2009/10. In his first race since the Beijing Olympics, Ormrod recorded a stirring come from behind victory in one of the best 100 metre races seen in Adelaide in recent years. Narrowly edging out his training partner, Todd Bateman, Ormrod recorded a slightly wind assisted (+2.4) 10.58 to Bateman’s 10.59. National 400m finalist, Clay Watkins was also in the mix recording 10.63.
Ormrod, who is more renowned for his feats over 400m after winning an Olympic Silver medal in the 4x400m relay in Athens, demonstrated his potential over the shorter distance. Whilst Ormrod’s time won’t officially appear on the ranking list due to an illegal tailwind, it equaled his personal best set in 2005 and is the fourth fastest 100m time recorded by an Australian this domestic season.
“Todd (Bateman) and I have been training well together. I was a bit sick in the lead up and I wasn’t entirely happy with how I attacked the race, but it’s early in the season and I know I have a lot more to offer”.
Ormrod was full of praise for his training partner, Bateman, and for the Adelaide Invitational.
“It (Adelaide Invitational) helps with the mentality that South Australian athletes can compete successfully at the national and international level. These events allow us to attack bigger things and instill a belief that we can produce world class performances”
Bateman, who has been plagued with injury problems over the past couple of seasons, was happy with his performance in conditions he described as perfect, despite some persistent rain during the meet.
“I’m just happy to be back running. I need to rediscover that drive. My goal this season is to remain uninjured. Commonwealth Games and the World Cup are in the back of my mind and I think I am capable of posting times around 10.3 – 10.4”
Given this assertion, Steve McBain’s long standing South Australian record of 10.4 appears to be firmly in Bateman’s sights this season.
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In other results, Clay Watkins backed up a fast 100m with an impressive 46.75 in the men’s 400m on a rain soaked track, catapulting him to the top of the Australian rankings list this season. 800m specialist, James Boden produced a personal best in second position with 48.13.
The men’s 800m didn’t disappoint with seasoned performer Robert Killmier dragging the field through a 54 second opening lap. Seventeen year old Matt Axford showed no fear in challenging Killmier over the second half of the race before Killmier showed his class and experience to run away with the win in a time of 1:52.43. Axford was second in a personal best of 1:55.01, showing that he is ready for the upcoming National All Schools in Hobart.
Killmier was pleased with his performance in less than ideal conditions.
“I felt good tonight. It was good to get out fast but I’m looking for someone to take the pace. I’m in good shape and I honestly feel like I have two seconds up my sleeve”.
The Men’s 3000m / 5000m saw a number of personal bests, with PJ Bosch producing a strong front running performance to win the 5000m in 14:41 from current National Marathon Champion Dale Engler in a personal best of 14:49. In the women’s 5000m race, World Cross Country representative, Tara Palm, held off a calculated run from Jessica Trengove who produced a huge personal best in placing second.
A large crowd was in attendance on what was a great night of athletics, indicating that the Adelaide Invitational series is rapidly growing in popularity.
Athletics SA Development Officer Toby Medlin described the meet as probably the best Adelaide Invitational to date.
The next Adelaide Invitational will be held on Wednesday 27th January from 8pm at Santos Stadium.