Athletics Australia – News – Adams, Viljoen & Fredericks added to Sydney & Perth

A stunning trio of international challengers for Australia’s best has been added to the entry lists for the Qantas Australian Athletics Tour today, as dual Olympic gold medallist Valerie Adams (NZL, shot put), two-time Commonwealth Games champion Sunette Viljoen (RSA, javelin) and World Championship finalist Cornel Fredericks (RSA, 400mH) all confirming their intention to head Down Under. 

A long-time supporter of Australia’s domestic season, Adams will take charge of the thrower’s circle at the Sydney Track Classic on 9 March, while Viljoen and Fredericks will also start in the Harbour City before competing again at the Go for 2&5 Perth Track Classic on 16 March.

Adams is arguably the greatest female shot putter in history, with her resume missing only the world record.

Bursting onto the scene with a 16.87m throw to win her first major international crown at the 2001 IAAF World Youth Championships, the 28-year-old has gone on to claim the world junior title in 2002, three consecutive IAAF world crowns in 2007, 2009 and 2011, IAAF World Indoor Championship victories in 2008 and 2012, the Commonwealth gold in 2006 and 2010 as well as World Cup success in 2006 and 2010.

Her trophy cabinet also includes a fourth world championships medal (bronze, 2005), a silver at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, bronze from the 2002 Commonwealth Games and five consecutive medals, including two gold, from the World Athletic Finals between 2005 and 2009.

Adams is also one of only two women, the other being Tamara Press (USSR), to have won two gold medals in the women’s shot put at the Olympic Games, after being elevated to the gold medal position after Nadzeya Ostapchuk (BEL) tested positive for doping in London (GBR) last year.

Adams said: “I really look forward to competing in Sydney again. It’s such a great city and so important in the athletics calendar. It is always a sign that the new season is upon us and that it is time to ramp up the training and the level of performances.

“Last year was a huge year for me and it all started at the Sydney Track Classic. I am hoping that 2013 will be equally as successful.

“The reality is that all the shot putters in the world are after me, I feel likehave a bit of a target on my back. That keeps me very focused with my preparation and I am hoping to throw out a big mark in Australia early to make my competitors aware that I am still here, and still the one to chase.”

Viljoen, who will provide ideal competition in the women’s javelin for Australian Flame Kim Mickle (WA) and Kathryn Mitchell (Vic), will launch her 2013 hungrier than ever after narrowly missing a medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, where she finished fourth.

A bronze medallist with a 68.38m throw at the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Daegu (KOR), the African record holder also boasts two Summer Universiade titles, African Championship gold medals in 2004, 2008 and 2010 and consecutive Commonwealth Games crowns from Melbourne (Vic) in 2006 and New Delhi (IND) in 2010.

Ontrack, Fredericks is likely to face-off with Australian 400m hurdles specialists Tristan Thomas (Tas) and Brendan Cole (ACT).

Fredericks has a personal best of 48.14, made the 2011 world championships final, and boasts four international championship medals from the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2008 and the 2010 African Championships. He eclipsed his countryman and rival LJ Van Zyl (RSA) to become the number one ranked South African hurdler in 2012, with his accolades last year including the South African title at Port Elizabeth (RSA).

Adams, Viljoen and Fredericks join Oscar Pistorius (RSA) on the current list of international starters this Qantas Australian Athletics Tour. Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

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) – click here for tickets
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