Athletics Australia – News – DAY 1: Australians make statement in morning session

Australia has made a statement at the morning session of the 2011 IAAF world youth championships, with five from seven starters advancing through initial qualification rounds and heats and two personal best performances.

Setting the tone early, Anna Laman (NSW) and Katelyn Simpson (QLD) flew the flag in very different heats to qualify for Saturday's girl's 1500m final. Laman, who clocked 4:25.53 for 4^th, endured a very slow initial 300m before the pace picked up in lap three, while Simpson headed out in a lead pack that never looked back to clock 4:22.27 and finish 5^th. 

"My coach and I decided that I should just head out with whoever led but unfortunately nobody really wanted to do that today," Laman said.

"I've had a bit of a cold these past few days so I am glad the final isn't until Saturday, it will give me a chance to recuperate and build for what will obviously be a quick race."

"My race was different, I had to go out strong so that if I didn’t finish top four my time would get me through and it worked," Simpson continued.

"You have no idea how loud it is out there, the vibe of the track is amazing and you get a real buzz when you stand on the start line.

"Bring on ice baths, sleep and massages – that’s my plan between now and the final." 

Meanwhile in the boy’s 100m, newly announced team leader Hugh Donovan (QLD) and 17-year-old Jarrod Geddes (NSW) have qualified fastest and third fastest for tomorrow's semi final after winning their heats in personal best times.

Donovan clocked 10.60 (w: +0.4) to improve his previous career best mark by 0.08 seconds, while Geddes clocked 10.66 (w: +0.1) only weeks after lowering his personal best twice within the assigned pre-departure period. 

"That was pretty good, I got out well in good conditions and can’t complain at all," Geddes said.

"The atmosphere pumped me up for sure – I loved every second of it."

"That track is fast," Donovan continued.

"Everyone is pumped about running on it and to come out and start my first international campaign like that is awesome, I couldn’t be happier and I’m now confident a final could happen."

"My coach is Denise Boyd and she has been such a support to me, she is in the stands today and I can’t thank her enough for the sacrifices she has made to get me to the line."

Meanwhile in the field, Filoi Aokuso heaved 13.28m to qualify for tonight’s girl’s shot put final. She opened her account with 12.48m before improving to 13.19m and 13.28m on her third attempt. Unable to reach the 14.00m automatic qualifier, her best mark was enough to see her advance in an event she only entered two weeks ago after achieving the required mark at the Townsville pre-departure camp. 

"I was so nervous coming into the stadium, the crowd was really loud and the girls all looked so big and strong," Aokuso said.

"My series wasn’t that great and I think my nerves are probably why, but after this morning I am more confident and ready to go for the final and the discus."

Unfortunately, Australia’s other hopefuls in the field Emily Crutcher and Kaitlin Morgan were unable to advance through to the girl’s high jump final, with both stumbling well below their personal best at 1.72m.

Rounding out the Australian start list this morning was Jake Stein, who in the boy's octathlon improved his long jump career best mark to 7.22m (w: +1.2) and missed his 100m personal best by 0.01 seconds (11.52, w: -0.5) to sit second overall with a point score of 1614. Stein is set to line up in the shot put and 400m later today as the eight-event competition continues. 

"The stadium is electric, the vibe between the athletes is awesome and I’ve opened with almost two personal bests – fair to say I’m feeling pretty good," Stein said.

"I think I can back it up tonight too, my form is good and I am ready to go."

Stay tuned to the 2011 world youth championships here at athletics.com.au, on Facebook with the Australian Athletics Tour or as part of the AthsAust conversation on Twitter.

To send your support to the 29 competing Australians, follow this link to the Athletics Australia Messageboard.

To view full results from day one of the 2011 IAAF world youth championships, please click here.