Aussie Track Stars gear up for Gwangju SU

AUSTRALIA – Forty Australian university track and field athletes will call Gwangju, South Korea, their ‘home’ for the duration of the 28^th Summer Universiade, which begins on the 3^rd of July. The ‘City of Light’ will play host to 10,000 university students from 170 nations. There are 21 sports to be contested in the bi-annual event, and in the athletics competition, more than 50 gold medals will be handed out.

Athletics Chairman of Selectors, Dion Russell says all eligible athletes had a chance to vie for a spot on the team.

“The selection process had an overarching principle of selecting all eligible athletes, including those who had an ability to win medals; performances at designated Selection Trials, as well as future selection prospects for Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games squads.”

Of this year’s squad, each of Michelle Jenneke, Nicholas Hough and Madeline Heiner have previous experience at international events. All three will be going to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships later this year. Jenneke is also a two-time gold medal winner at the Oceania Youth Championships, as well as a 2014 Commonwealth Games competitor.

Jenneke goes to Gwangju as Australia’s second fastest hurdler, behind only world beater Sally Pearson. Her shot at the 100m hurdles title will entail a considerable amount of preparation, as head coach Craig Hilliard strives to ensure each member of the squad is at 100 percent fitness come the first day of competition.

“Travelling long distances is an ongoing reality for Australian athletes, given our remoteness from much of the rest of the world. It all comes down to planning appropriately for the obstacles faced, whether that be travel, language barriers or less than ideal training facilities. Be ready to expect the unexpected.”

Hough competed in the 27^th Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia in 2013, and will be one of six returning track and field athletes. Hough’s mum, Sue, reached the semi-finals of the 100m and 200m in the 1987 Universiade in Yugoslavia. These are certainly big shoes to fill for the 21-year-old. 

Hilliard says the timing of routine will play an important part in performance in Gwangju.

“It is important that athletes do not overstress their bodies in the first 24-48 hours, and establish a normal routine as soon as possible. Our team of staff will work with the athletes, their personal coaches and Athletics Australia to determine the best way for each of the selected athletes to prepare.”

Two-time Universiade competitor, and New South Wales entrant James Nipperess will be one of seven long-distance athletes competing in the 10,000 metres, half-marathon and 20km. The list also includes Tasmania products Josh Harris and Stephanie Stigwood donning Australian gear, when they line up for the half-marathon and 20km walk respectively. Harris has 21 state titles to his name, and will look to potentially add more silverware to his trophy cabinet in Gwangju.

While Peak Performance Mentor Kerri Pottharst will be on hand for the track and field Athletics squad, Hilliard says other competitors who have donned the green and gold at previous events can help new members of the squad quickly become accustomed to a possibly daunting environment.

“Representing your country at a major championship is a great honour, and that is the message that I would want more senior athletes to instil in the debutants. Some of the more experienced athletes can add great value to the overall experience for the younger or first-time athletes.”

As for Jenneke’s now world-famous pre-race dance routines that first came to attention on YouTube in 2012, Hilliard says the energy seen during the first ‘jig’ has decreased only slightly in energy.

“She may have toned down the routine a little, but it seems to be working for Michelle at the moment with continued improvement in her performance, so stick to what works!”

The five day athletics schedule runs from July 8-12 at Gwangju’s World Cup Stadium, with the ability to cater for more than 44,000 fans.

Davis Harrigan (AUS), FISU Young Reporter