Athletics Australia – News – BRIGGS: Peacock set to let fly

Hamish Peacock (Tas) is in the best form of his life and enters the next instalment of the National Athletics Series as a marked man.

The top ranked javelin thrower in Australia in 2013, Peacock can’t wait to extend his winning streak as he headlines the men’s javelin at the Briggs Athletics Classic at Domain Athletics Centre in Hobart this Saturday.

His sights are firmly set on qualifying for the IAAF World Championships in Moscow (RUS) later this year, and it is a target he firmly believes he can achieve.

“This season at a minimum I want to throw 81 metres, which is the B qualifier for Moscow.  Training indicates that I can do that and it is my goal.  Once I’ve achieved that, my next goal is the A standard of 83.50 metres and I don’t think that’s out of the question either,” Peacock stated.

With perfect conditions forecast for competition this weekend, Peacock has a feeling that this could be the week he improves his own state record of 79.33m.

“The forecast weather is looking very promising for Saturday evening. It’s set to be a light tail wind, straight down the middle, which is ideal for javelin,” Peacock continued.

The university student sure is in form; his past two competitions producing his second and third furthest throws ever, including a win at the National Athletics Series meet in Newcastle (NSW).

Victory won’t come easy for Peacock at the 24th edition of the Briggs Athletics Classic though, with the field being the deepest of all field events on the night.

In the line up is the Chinese national champion Qinggang Zhao, who boasts a lifetime best of 81.74m, Indian thrower Ravinder Singh Kaira and many of the best from across Australia.

“Having a strong field like this in my hometown meet is great.  I love the challenge of athletics and having some strong competition brings the best out of me,” Peacock confirmed.

“This is a very important meet for me each season.  I like competing in front of my mates and family and it is one of the major meets of the domestic season.”

What: Briggs Athletics Classic
When: Saturday February 23. 5pm-8pm
Where: Domain Athletics Centre
Who: 200 of the best athletes from eight different countries, around the world and Tasmania
Tickets: Available from Centretainment, Athletics Tasmania, Athletics Tasmania Clubs or at the gate.
More info: www.tasathletics.org.au

With thanks to Athletics Tasmania

NATIONAL ATHLETICS SERIES
The National Athletics Series, incorporating the 2013 Australian Athletics Tour, is an eight-stop nationwide tour that sees international athletics descend on every state.
The Australian domestic season also features the 4th Australian Junior Athletics Championships, to be held in Perth (WA) for the first time and the 91st Australian Athletics Championships & IAAF World Championships Selection Trial in Sydney (NSW) for the first time since 2006.

20 Jan 2013 IAAF World Cross Country Selection Trial – Canberra (ACT)
2 Feb 2013 Hunter Track Classic – Newcastle (NSW)
16 Feb 2013 Adelaide Track Classic – Adelaide (SA)
16-17 Feb 2013 Aust. Junior Combined Event Championships -Adelaide (SA)
23 Feb 2013 Briggs Athletics Classic – Hobart (Tas)
24 Feb 2013 Oceania & Aust. 20km Race Walking Championships – Hobart (Tas)
9 Mar 2013 Sydney Track Classic – Sydney (NSW) – click here for tickets
12-17 Mar 2013 Australian Junior Athletics Championships – Perth (WA)
16 Mar 2013 Perth Track Classic – Perth (WA) – click here for tickets
23 Mar 2013 Queensland Track Classic – Brisbane (Qld)
6 Apr 2013 Melbourne World Challenge – Melbourne (Vic) – click here for tickets
11-14 Apr 2013 91st Australian Athletics Championships & IAAF World Championships Selection Trial – Sydney (NSW) – click here for tickets

Athletics Australia – News