Track is back

With the return of the Australian Athletics season, it’s clear that UNSW Track & Field Athletes have been finding alternative ways to keep fit over the winter, laying down some impressive early performances. This is despite many local training facilities (incl. ES Marks Athletics Field) being shut down the majority of the winter amidst COVID lockdown measures.

400m Hurdlers Impressive

In his fastest time in nearly 2 years, Australian Representative Bryce Collins (pictured) ran a commanding 400m hurdles season opener, defeating the reigning NSW State Champion in the process. He has run a couple of 50-second 400m flat runs. Ben Quinn stepped down a distance to join Bryce to run a 49.72, before running a solid 1:52.26. Fellow 400m hurdler Susie Douglas, U20 NSW Champion, also ran an impressive early 1:03.08.

Sprinters on the Rise

Jamie Karabesinis wasted no time in his transition to the senior ranks, as he shattered his PB and the once elusive 11-second barrier with a swift 10.78 over 100m. He backed this up in the 200m, negative-splitting a 21.47. Also knocking on the door of the 11-second barrier this season are Eli Hall (11.28), Desmond Cai (11.54) and Christopher Li (11.57). High school student Callum Cheung has been representing UNSW this season and, despite being only 13-years-old, has already run some eye-catching performances – 11.94 (100m), 24.25 (200m) and 13.04 (90m hurdles).

The team also ran the 6th fastest Club time at the NSW Club Championships with a 43.89 in the 4x100m relay. Eli also showed his range over the longer distances, namely 300m (35.67) and 400m (50.88) with the 50-second-barrier not so far away as well.