It’s track and field time in Melbourne again

A shorter spruik than most years for this Saturday’s track and field IAAF Melbourne World Challenge, Australia’s annual internationally recognised track and field meeting.

Six reasons to go or watch on livestream:

  • David Rudisha, Kenyan 800 metre reigning Olympic and world champion once again graces us with his presence. He is not as dominant as he once was but is the smoothest of movers, a Rolls-Royce.  Hopefully he can help Aussie Olympics hopefuls Alex Rowe, Josh Ralph and Luke Matthews to very fast times, if they can hang on to him.
  • It is an Olympic year, track and field’s four yearly moment in the sun is coming. The Australian national championships and selection trials are in April, so most athletes are in full swing.
  • The men’s 1500 metres features the Commonwealth champion Kenyan James Magut (whose PB is a very quick 3.30.61), as well as the very talented and due to deliver consistently Australian Ryan Gregson, who is currently in good form.
  • The women’s steeplechase features three international quality Aussies, Madeline Hills (formerly Heiner), Gen La Caze and Victoria Mitchell as well as talented young Kiwi Rosa Flanagan. It should be a great contest.
  • Former world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels, ranked number four in the world in 2015, is competing and is in very good form.
  • Eleanor Patterson is competing in the high jump. She became Commonwealth champion at the tender age of 18 and at 19 has the potential to become competitive on the world stage.

There are many other reasons to watch, despite the absence of Pearson, Watt, Lapierre and other established names.   Tickets are $25 at the gate or $20 for a pre-purchased ticket and the event will be live streamed at http://www.athletics.com.au/compete/live-stream .

The main program runs from 5.30-8.35. Get along to Lakeside Stadium on Saturday or watch it on live stream.

Comments

  1. Luke Reynolds says

    Great stuff Steve, the entry price would be well worth it just to see the great David Rudisha.

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