Victoria has dominated the open competition at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Wollongong (NSW) today, winning the individual gold for men and women, as well as the team trophy for both events.
Competing at the purpose-built venue that serves at the home of the Kembla Joggers, it was Andrew Buchanan (Vic) who launched proceedings for the navy blue, winning the open men’s race in a time of 30:30.
Buchanan’s victory is his first national crown and provided the ideal start to the team result, before Harry Smithers (third, 30:46), William Potter (fourth, 30:52) and Jack Rayner (Vic, 31:17) joined him on the results sheet to ensure Victoria’s win in the team event.
Edward Goddard (NSW) won the silver medal in the individual race in a time of 30:45, with South Australia and New South Wales claiming silver and bronze respectively in the team event.
In the women’s race, it was Alexandra Paterson (Vic) who shone.
The 22-year-old was unrivalled in the closing stages, crossing to win gold in 34:43 as Leanne Pompeni (ACT, 35:53) and Elise Gallen (NSW, 36:18) rounded out the individual top-three.
Paterson, too, is a first-time national champion via her performance, with her result combining with Sophie Ryan (third, 36:29), Sarah Waters (fifth, 36:39) and Emilie Guy (sixth, 36:45) to ensure the team win ahead of New South Wales and Queensland.
Competition in Wollongong also featured events for athletes aged under 14 through under 20, as well as junior para-athletes, with Imogen Stewart (NSW) and Matthias Forbes-Schutz (Qld) the first to stand atop the podium as the winners of the girl’s and boy’s under 14 races.
On behalf of Athletics Australia, we extend thanks to the City of Wollongong, the Kembla Joggers and Athletics New South Wales for the outstanding contribution to the Australian Cross Country Championships.
