The three-day championship meet for the NSW Masters ended up with two days, with the final day on Sunday being postponed to a day to be announced. Torrential rain, on a continual basis, and strong gusty winds were the reason behind the final day being postponed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Officials found it hard on day one and two, and the third day would have been impossible. Good decision by Athletics NSW who are the administrators of this event. Not only were conditions impossible for officials, the third day would have had athletes perform well below their best, and in some cases withdrawing.
On the second day, many athletes were a little weary and conscience of the conditions, trying to maintain their balance on slippery surfaces.
Athletics NSW will announce the final day, possibly this week, but with major state titles now coming up, to select a day is going to be very hard.
Blue Stars once again flew the flag proudly, and our Masters group is one of the most supportive of our club and also of major meets such as these state titles. Great to see a number of our athletes back on the track,such as John Van Stappen, Peter Shepherd and Annette Mead (although Annette didn't have a chance to compete due to her event being postponed).
These athletes teamed up with newcomer to Masters athletics, former senior champ, Justin Miller, who ran a great 100 to take out second placing in the men's 35/39 100 metres.
Sunday was going to be his day, with his lightning fast start, the 60 metres is one of his best and all were keen to see him turn the tables on his main rival. That now will be put on hold.
Our great supporters June Lowe, Mary Thomas and Gianna Mogentale dominated their age brackets with Lowe taking out the women's 65/69 hammer, shot, hurdles, high jump and 100 metres.
Mogentale in the women's 55/59 once again clean swept her division winning the 100 metres, 400 metres and triple jump, whilst Mary captured her only two events on the two days, the hammer and discus,being only 4 centimetres off her own state record in the hammer.
Di O'Toole ran a gutsy 100 metres to take the bronze medal in the women's 60/65 division, O'Toole was competing with very little preparation due to a foot injury, whilst Peter Shephard also took out bronze in the men's 60/64 100 metres, recently only returning to the track.
Sara Geuvara was looking forward to day three with her 60 metres and long jump, but she performed well over the 100 metres to take bronze in the 40/44 division.
Andrew Rodda finished in 4th spot in the hammer, but took out two bronze in the men's 100 and 400 in the 50/54 division whilst Rina Flynn came home with a silver medal, finishing second to Mogentale over the 400 metres.
Colin Clarson will now have to wait for his favourite event, the 800 metres, but meanwhile captured a well earnt bronze medal in the 55/59 division over 400 metres, and finished a close 4th in the 400 metres.
Athletes will now have to wait for the final day to be announced but I am sure the total of 10 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze will be added to on this final day.
Whilst on Masters, congratulations to Mary Thomas, Gianna Mogentale, June Lowe and Di O'Toole being nominated for the NSW Masters Award, with the presentation to be held in March.
Mogentale has been nominated for jumps and sprints and relays, at National level, Thomas for the Throws and Multi events, with Lowe for the Multi Events and O'Toole for the relays at national level.
If anyone is interested in Masters athletics please contact me on 4262 8498 or mobile of 0409 307 325, and you don't have to a be champion, you can just take part in club meets or if you wish go to events such as country and or state to see how you are going. Masters are catered for right throughout the year, with both summer and winter activities taking place.
Congratulations must also go to our dual registered athletes who have competed in tough conditions to try and move forward to the state Little A's titles.
There were some great performances from our members, and combining their state Little A's with their competition in ANSW state Youth Titles, I am sure they will be up amongst the finalists in many of their events.