Nicola McDermott continues her rise clearing 1.98m

By David Tarbotton for Athletics Australia

It has been another terrific week of performances from our athletes competing in Europe and America.

Central Coast’s Nicola McDermott continued her rise up the Australian high jump rankings, leaping from number four to equal second with her 1.98m clearance in Sinn, Germany. Seven months ago the mark would have equalled the Australian record, but that was raised to 1.99m by Eleanor Patterson in February.

The Matt Horsnell coached McDermott, disposed of her competition, former Commonwealth Games champion Levern Spencer, at 1.89m, then took 10 consecutive jumps, negotiated 1.98m on her third attempt, before taking two attempts at 2.01m.

In Columbia, in South Carolina, Ollie Hoare’s form continued with his third consecutive PB in two weeks, clocking a World leading mile time of 3:53.35 for the win.

“My training has gone to another level, under new coach Dathan Ritzenhein,” Hoare said.

“For me now it’s time to full adapt to the new group and move forward with my goals for the Olympic year fast approaching.”

With Sydney’s Charlie Hunter, the World Indoor mile leader, Aussies are dominating the mile rankings.

In Goteborg in Sweden, Nic Bideau squad training partners Stewart McSweyn, Matthew Ramsden and Ryan Gregson dominated the 5000m, all placing in the top-5. McSweyn was a comfortable winner in 13:09.83, his third fastest time of his career. In second, Perth’s Ramsden continued to demolish his personal best times, on this occasion removing 11 seconds to clock 13:16.63 – and move to number 10 Australian all-time. National 1500m record holder, Gregson, ventured out over the longer distance to place fifth in a 12 seconds PB time of 13:25.06.

In the women’s 1500m Jessica Hull was second in 4:05.47, with Gen Gregson fifth in 4:10.76, less than a second from her PB.

There was another sharp time by Peter Bol in the 800m, placing fifth in 1:46.25.

(Image: Nicola McDermott)