ANQ TIMES Issue 3 ANQ TIMES September - November 2012 ATHLETICS NORTH QUEENSLAND OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER Introduction by Yvonne Mullins Dear Friends, IN THIS ISSUE As the 2012 season draws to a close it is time to reflect on the year that was in our sport and what a year it was! In an Olympic Year it is difficult to try and find any other highlights other than the World s Number one event and anyone trying to compare to London would find it very difficult to compare. The London Olympics were without a doubt the most incredible Olympics that the World has ever seen and I was one of those very lucky people to see it up front and personal. What an event, what a Games, the performances of the athletes were outstanding and the event itself was in many people s eyes the Greatest Olympics of All Times. On the track, Usain Bolt was simply the best has there ever been a better athlete only time will tell! Bolt seems to have it all, he is the ultimate performer on an off the track and has been a fabulous hero for a sport that sometimes suffers in the press. But what about Sally Pearson s performance! After a season where she looked unstoppable the unthinkable happened only weeks out from the Olympics Sally was beaten! Many thought this was the end of Sally s Olympic Dream, but those close to her knew that this would only make this athlete all the more determined. Sally s win in the 100m hurdles was spinetingling for those of us in the stands who had waited for the past 4 years to see what she could produce. It could have easily gone so wrong, but with single-minded determination and the support of her very close family and friends Sally crossed the line to collect the Gold Medal what a night! Mitchell Watt s silver medal also showed incredible strength of character. Mitchell had battled some difficult times with injury, but was able to bounce back in a crowd that was clearly only looking for one nation to be on the Gold Medal Dias! Jarrod Tallent was the other outstanding Australian Athlete with his silver medal in the men s 50km Race Walk. But there was a dark side to the Olympics the drug cheats who continue to make our sport look bad and this time it was very close to home! Valerie Adams of New Zealand was and is the undisputed Queen of the Shot Put, but because an athlete from Belarus did not play by the rules, Val was robbed of her opportunity to receive her 2nd Olympic Gold Medal in front of a jam-packed stadium. We have read so much in recent months about drug cheats in sport and it is clear that although the authorities are clamping down on these cheats harder than ever before there is still room for a small minority to get through the cracks. Our Oceania Athletes: Sally, Mitchell, Jarrod, Val these are examples of Athletes in our sport who we should look up to! Their coaches need to be congratulated for ensuring that their Athletes are Clean Athletes! No matter whether you are a local club athlete or coach or an international athlete or coach, there can be no room for drugs in our sport Coaches need to lead from the front and not be lured into thinking there is a fast way to win there is only way to win and that is train hard, train clean! Records Galore ANQ Masters 446 athletes travelled from all around Australia to compete in this year s Ergon Energy Athletics North Queensland Championships Page 3 The Official Line ANQ Championships, School and State Competitions, ANQ feedback and much more Page 6 Congratulations to all of our Australian and Oceania Athletes on their outstanding performances at the London Olympics and to the London Organising Committee on a spectacular 2012 Olympic Games bring on Rio!!!! Yvonne Mullins President
ANQ TIMES Issue 3 2 Central Highland Games by Sherryle Nolan Emerald Athletics couldn t all get to London for the Olympics, so over 100 athletes made the journey to Emerald instead for a weekend of track and field. After a forced rescheduling of the carnival due to wet weather, we finally went ahead with beautiful clear skies and very warm conditions. The track was in very good condition, well grassed and immaculately presented. The long jump runway had been newly laid and Pit 1 had superior quality sand newly filled. A few athletes were unable to attend due to the date change however we did pick up a few more athletes who were now able to make this new date. The Emerald club hosted registered athletes from Longreach, Charters Towers, Rockhampton, Whitsundays, Biloela, Clermont and North Rockhampton as well as independent athletes in the local and wider community. Support from other clubs, especially Longreach, was outstanding. Many thanks to our hard-working committee whose planning and efforts leading up to, during the weekend and following up the carnival were outstanding. A great team working together made the carnival stress free and enjoyable. The support of Robyn Potts and Dayne O Hara from ANQ was fantastic thanks to this great athletics organization, we feel very supported and confident in running future carnivals. Darren Coombs and John Palmer calmly carried out their Field and Track Referee duties, ensuring we had a safe and professional carnival. Our club Patron, Paul Bell, was on hand both days, supporting and encouraging all athletes to perform at their personal best. Paul had a positive and heartening word to all athletes during medal presentations and his inspiring speech. At our host school grounds (Marist College), we had fantastic support, they supplied the sound system for us, additional tents, tables & chairs. Mr Greg Pullen, HOC and teacher at the school again provided the entertaining commentary over the weekend, giving up his weekend to support the club. This generosity is overwhelming and fully appreciated. The athletes themselves performed extremely well, records were broken over the weekend showing a very competitive field. Great sportsmanship was exhibited, new friendships were formed and old friends were welcomed back to Emerald. Our Masters athletes enjoyed good-hearted comradeship, with a few protests over others performances. A few tall stories to add to their collection were created! We look forward now to 2014 when we again will provide an excellent opportunity for track and field to flourish in the Central Highlands. The long distances driven to get to Emerald were well rewarded with a fun and competitive carnival that was well worth the drive. Carnival coordinator, Sherryle Nolan, thanks the club President, Wayne Gakowski, all the committee, officials, sponsors, athletes, parents and supporters for being part of the C.H.Games in 2012. Sherryle Nolan Emerald Athletics Club Athletes Corner by Briannah Holloway Central Queensland Athletics Club member Briannah Holloway shares how athletics has changed her life and has opened the door to other opportunities that she never dreamed possible for the past five years I have had the best opportunity to excel in my athletics career by being a part of the Central Queensland Athletics Club (CQAC) in Rockhampton. Recently, I was able to attend the North Queensland Games in Mackay for CQAC and competed in the Open Women s Shot Put and Discus; I gained gold in both events and was very close to my PB s At the start of the year I was nominated and accepted by the CAQC Committee to become a committee member, which has been a great experience. We are a small club, but so far this year approximately 100 athletes ranging from 4 years to masters have signed on to be a part of this club. Thanks to CQAC, I have attained my Level 2 Athletics Club Coach Certificate which is recognised through Athletics Australia. If you are interested in trying athletics in a supportive and friendly environment and are in the Capricornia region, don t hesitate to come and have a go. Briannah Holloway Athlete Central Queensland Athletics Club
ANQ TIMES Issue 3 3 RECORDS GALORE ANQ Masters by Dayne O Hara 446 athletes travelled from all around Australia to compete in this year s Ergon Energy Championships between the 28-30 September 2012. With Townsville s perfect weather conditions, fun and friendly atmosphere and impressive facilities there was no wonder that this event is the biggest regional championships in Queensland. This year s Championships saw 62 Masters compete from around Queensland. 25 records were established and broken in a range of disciplines and age groups. Highlights of the championship included: Chris Hobson from Townsville North Star was the one to watch in the 35-39 age group in the 200m and 400m. Chris, who is an Athletics North Queensland Board Member and competed at World Masters powered out of the blocks and held his technique in both events. He finished in a time of 24.15 (200m) and 53.42 (400m). Chris broke both Championship records previously held by Eddie Czarnecki from Cairns in 1990 and Heinz Steinmann s long standing record from 1982. The Men s Decathlon Pole Vault saw five athletes from Mt Isa, Emerald and Tablelands Athletics Clubs compete. In the Men s 45-49 Gary Free (Emerald) reached for the limits with a great jump of 2.40m. There was a fight for second place between the Mt Isa Men Ken Dickson and Iain Faithful. Both in the end equalling a height of 2.00m. The 35-39 age group saw David Scott (ISA) jump 2.60m which increase his points by 273. David Scott and Ken Dickson both broke their old Championship records from 2011 with Ken adding 600 extra points. Final points were David Scott (3798), Ken Dickson (4472), Gary Free (4183), Andrew Ford (2651) and Iain Faithful DNF. In the Women s Hammer Throw 50-54 age group Estelle Smith (ISA) started the comp strong throwing 25.53 that took the lead and broke Brenda McDowell from Townsville North Star s 2005 record of 25.17. Estelle was leading the competition and looked to be in for the gold until the sixth round where Sonia Faint from Clermont threw a 25.55, taking first place and the record off Estelle. Linda Lynch from ANQ Masters ran the 100m in 14.81, breaking Margret Smith s record of 15.20 from 2009. John Kling, also from ANQ Masters broke three records in the 800m (2:34.82), 1500m (5:05.12), and the 5000m (18:31.51). John took the 800m record of Don Taylor (Mulgrave) from 2005, and the 1500m and 5000m from Wayne Sabransky (VICM) from 2008. Congratulations to the following athletes who were amongst the Record breakers at the Championships: Andrew Preston (ISA) 45-49 1500m Race Walk 12:52.49 James Ewart (BWN) 50-54 100m Hurdles 19.28 Hazel McDonnell (QMA) 65-59 100m Sprint (17.06), 200m Sprint (35.77),Shot Put, Hammer, Discus, Heavy Weight, Javelin and the Weight Pentathlon Mareea Chaffey (TNS) 41-44 80 Metre Hurdles 16.43 The full results from the ANQ Championships can be downloaded from Athletics North Queensland website at www.athelticsnorthqld.org.au Article by Dayne O Hara Development Officer www.facebook.com/athleticsnorthqueensland https://twitter.com/athleticsnthqld 2012 Pan Pacific Games The Pan Pacs, as the Games are affectionately known, are a celebration of master s sport with both fierce and friendly competition on the sporting field and a fun-filled entertainment program at the Games Village each night. The sport is conducted in age groups with no qualifying standards to enter. The only criteria for entry is that participants must meet the minimum age for their sport, and for most sports that is 30 years of age. For more information visit www.mastersgames.com.au
ANQ TIMES Issue 3 4 Whitsunday Runners by Wendy Downes Whitsunday Running Club is now incorporated and fully affiliated with ANQ. In just 3 months we have signed up 36 members with a few not quite there. We have club logo, singlet, Facebook page (Whitsunday Runners) and a support sponsor for 3 years (Ray White Whitsunday). We are really excited with our progress and are currently planning our first major event for mid 2013 A Running Festival in Paradise. Once we have our website up and running we will be splashing this out to the world. Club members have been busy this past month. On 23 September some of us took part in the 6 th annual Run the Whitsunday Great Walk 28km through the Conway Ranges. This event is organised by Mackay Road Runners and is always a great event, showcasing our magnificent rainforest and scenic surrounds a tough course but a great challenge. With the advantage of being able to train on the course, we all finished well, those running it for the first time and those who have completed a few. I am sure we were rubbing shoulders with members from other Running Clubs in our region and hopefully we ll all get to know each other a bit better as time goes by. Less than a week later 3 of us fronted up for the 22km walk/run from Proserpine to the Dam for Police Remembrance Day quite opposite to the previous week and hard work. If anyone is visiting the Whitsundays look us up and join us for a run. Wendy Downes, President Whitsunday Running Club thedownes@airlie.net.au Upcoming Events DATE EVENT LOCATION 3-5 November PAN PACS Master Games Gold Coast 10-11 November Australian Junior AWD Championships Canberra 11 November Cairns Summer Series Meet 3 Cairns 11 November ANQ Pole Vault Clinic Cairns 17-18 November ANQ AGM and Workshop Townsville 24 November RRR Movember Fun Run and Christmas Party Rockhampton 25 November Cairns Summer Series Meet 4 Cairns 30 2 December Australian All Schools Hobart 3 December Australian Schools Knock Out Final Launceston 8 December Zatopek (Australian 10,000m Championships) Melbourne 9 December 10k, 5k, 3k, 1k Sweaty Santa Fun Run & Breakfast Cairns 9 December Australian 50km Race Walking Championships Melbourne 15 December Queensland Relay Championships Brisbane
ANQ TIMES Issue 3 5 A Wealth of Knowledge by Kimberley Hinschen ANQ representatives Kimberley Hinschen, Dayne O Hara, Shane Watson and Emily Zatta recently attended The IAAF CECS Lecturers Course on the Gold Coast from October 15-20. They were joined by 7 other participants from across the Oceania region, including Tahiti, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Nauru, Northern Marianas and the Northern Territory. This course covered both The IAAF Kids Athletics Programme and Level One Youth Athletics and was run by IAAF Senior Lecturer Abdel Malek El- Hebil from Morocco. The IAAF Kids Athletics Programme aims to ensure a steady and sustainable policy of development of the sport of Athletics. The aim of which is to introduce children to Athletics at a basic level. The programme is not intended only for clubs and Member Federations but also for schools and all institutions who are interested in the wellbeing of children. The IAAF aims to popularise athletics in the six areas through a programme of several competitions called A Team Event for Children, which comprises of three event groups: Sprinting/Running Event Group, Jumping Event Group and a Throwing Event Group. There are three age categories targeted by the programme: 7-8 yrs, 9-10 yrs and 11-12 yrs. The Youth Athletics Programme is focused on athletes aged 13-15years and is also a multi-disciplinary competition. This competition is a continuation on from Kids Athletics and also includes a Sprinting/Running Event Group, a Jumping Event Group and a Throwing Event Group with higher skill level activities. By holding these competitions the athletes are able to develop and strengthen their skills in all events, allowing them to prepare for specialisation at age 16-17years. Our ANQ representatives were put through their paces with an intense week of both theory and practical lessons covering all track and field events. The course concluded with each participant presenting a practical assessment, a theory assessment and completing a written exam. Everyone enjoyed the week, and agreed that Malek was a fantastic lecturer who brought a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to the course. Everyone can t wait to implement their new knowledge within the ANQ region, to strengthen both our clubs and our schools. Kimberley Hinschen Sport and Rec officer QLD Secondary Schools by Dayne O Hara Our ANQ Athletes were very strong at the recent Queensland Secondary School Track and Field Championships, bringing home 11 Gold, 13 Silver and 13 Bronze. Some highlights from each of our regions were: Hayley Heel (13yr) from Slade Point represented her region and club well in the 100m. Hayley, who is coached by Cheryl Dixon (ANQ Board Member), had two great runs in the semi s and finals of 12.75 and 12.88. Her performance placed her first in the finals. Joshua Holloway (CQAC), who at the ANQ Championships broke the Under 16 National 800m AWD T20 record that was set in 2009, ran well in the 100m to secure first place in a time of 13.06. Liam Mumford, who won the One Mile Championships at the ANQ Championships, finish 4th in the 1500m Boys 16 years in a time of 4:11.83. Liam is from Mackay Road Runners. Bradley Edwards represented Townsville North Star proudly in the 17 Years 200m. Bradley was strong coming out of the blocks and held his posture well to finish first in a time of 22.25. Jason Strano, from Tableland Athletics set a personal best (PB) of 2.08m in the Men s 16yr High Jump Heidi Hatch who measured 34.16 in the Women s Under 20 Discus final to securer first place. All results from these championships can be accessed at www.athletics.qld.edu.au/ athletics_2012.php?article=results, or alternatively on the ANQ website. Dayne O Hara Development Officer
ANQ TIMES Issue 3 6 The Official Line by Catherine Welsh ANQ Championships 28/29/30 September were again a huge success with all officials excelling. Needless to say the QA Board Members, who worked with us at the weekend, were very impressed with the caliber of ANQ officials and the friendly atmosphere. Thank you all for your contribution track, field, technical, canteen, administration, photo finish, meet manager, medals, First Aid every area ran efficiently. The co-operation between the field events and call room was outstanding with very few hold ups well done everyone! ANQ Championships Gold Medal Award (for the tidiest area after Competition). Again, Horizontal Jumps scooped the pool! In the words of our Technical Manager, Rob Murchie, "I cannot go past Lee-Anne, Penny, Perc, Martin and the rest of the Sandscrapers, they leave the area spotless and this year they took the time to neatly stack everything in the one spot which saved us an lot of time. ( Yes the Lollies were a nice touch...!)" There are however close contenders for the Tech Crew's medals. Rob says, "If I might make mention of another area who punch well above there weight it would be the Canteen & the Girls who feed the Officials, the Tech Crew fit in something to eat when possible and they always make sure there is something for us. ( Nothing is too much trouble for them )" The other contender is Bob from the Sports Reserve; his contribution to ANQ Carnivals is amazing. Have you ever wondered who cooks the early starters breakfast? Bob is there from dawn till dark and always ready to help. Feedback Any feedback on the Championships would be appreciated what went well, what we can do better and any other comments can be sent through to the office myself or online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pzyw86x. We will also be discussing how to make our Championships better at the ANQ Workshop in November School Competitions The athletics season in the North has finished for many, however the schools competitions are continuing. Many of our officials will be working at the State Primary Schools Championships in Cairns later this month; some will be in Brisbane for Secondary Schools and even more in Hobart in December for All Schools Secondary Championships. National Competitions In 2013 appointments have already been made for the Australian Junior National Championships in Perth in March. The Open and AWD Championships will be in Sydney in April and applications to officiate there have yet to be called. Then of course in December we have All Schools in Townsville, probably our biggest competition to date with over 1,000 athletes expected!! Update your Details Please remember, if any of your contact details have changed to inform the ANQ office. You will then not miss out on any important communication. ANQ Workshop 17/18 November in Townsville. This is your opportunity to have your say and make a difference. I hope to see many of you there and we will have a chance to talk without the rush of competition! Catherine Welsh Director of Officials ANQ Board Member
ANQ TIMES Issue 3 7 Pole Vault Clinic by Kimberley Hinschen On Thursday, 27th September we saw 30 athletes from the Townsville North Star, Cairns, Whitsunday, Mt Isa, Bowen and Emerald athletic clubs take part in a one day Pole Vault clinic, at the Townsville Sports Reserve. The clinic was led by Level 5 Olympic Coach, Eric Brown who was joined by U18 Decathlon Champion Cedric Dubler, who smashed the Australian U18 Decathlon record later that weekend. With athletes aged 11-51 there were many different skill levels. Eric said It was a shock to see so many new up and coming athletes interested in the event, and even better to see the more mature athletes giving it a go. Athletes learnt the fundamental skills of hand grip, run up, pole flexing, carrying the pole during run up and placement of the pole in the box. I had a great time learning how to do pole vault and I am going to start competing in it at competitions Cody Jane from Townsville North Star said. The athletes really enjoyed watching Cedric demonstrate his perfect technique, and enjoyed hearing about his experience at World Juniors this year in Barcelona where he placed 4th in the Open Men s Decathlon. Cedric was also surprised at how many athletes came to the clinic, and said there was potential in some of the junior athletes. He told the Townsville Bulletin that he loves coming to Townsville because it always has perfect conditions, and the officials are great. They will do anything to help you achieve your best results. The funding for this clinic was provided by a grant through the Department of Sport and Recreation. There will be another Pole Vault clinic held in Cairns 11 November at Barlow Park. For more information on this and future clinics please contact the ANQ office. Kimberley Hinschen Sport and Rec Officer YOUR THOUGHTS AND IDEAS Do you have an article, photos or an even an event that you want to place in Issue 4 of the ANQ Times? Or would you like to suggest information that you think should go into future newsletter? If so please send an email to development@athleticsnorthqld.org.au ANQ TIMES 3 Redpath Street, Belgian Gardens, Townsville QLD Phone: 07 4721 4998