Athletics Australia – News – A German experience for Australian Under 20’s

An Australian Under 20 team is acclimatizing in Mannheim (GER) today, with two competition opportunities to follow in the coming week on the invitation of the German Athletics Federation.

Culminating with the Bauhaus Junioren Gala, an event which attracts 250 German athletes aged under 20 and teams from 19 invited nations, the 15-day experience provides further development opportunities for those athletes transitioning into senior international representation.

“We were really thrilled to receive the invitation to compete at this great event from the German Athletics Federation,” Sara Mulkearns, Athletics Australia Junior High Performance Manager, said.

“It’s a testament to the positive standing Athletics Australia holds on the international athletics stage and to our friends in Germany we extend our most sincere thanks.

Departing Australia on Wednesday, the team is led by team manager Leanne Smith and coaches Alex Stewart and Richard Huggins.

Competition at the Junioren Gala is set to coincide with a second start at the Gelnhausen Meet tomorrow.

“The team will first line up tomorrow in Hesson before the main event on July 2,” Mulkearns continued.

“As always we encourage the 10 competing athletes to relish the opportunity to compete in the Australian uniform – it’s a great honour!”

To be joined on the start list by world youth championships bound Flame athlete Liz Parnov in the women’s pole vault, the Australian team includes four athletes who made their international debut at the 2009 IAAF world youth championships, three Australian Spark from last year’s IAAF world junior championships and two representatives from the Singapore-hosted 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

On track, the flag will be flown by 400m sprinter Alexander Beck (QLD) and up and coming middle distance talent Kuey Diew (QLD, 800m), Jordan Williamsz (VIC, 1500m) and Eliza Curnow (VIC, 800m).

Meanwhile in the field, throwers Damien Birkinhead (VIC, shot put), Liam Speers (NSW, shot put, discus throw) and Taryn Gollshewsky (QLD, discus throw) will don the green and gold alongside Youth Olympics silver medallist Brandon Starc (NSW, high jump) and long jumpers Tim McGuire (SA) and Brooke Stratton (VIC).

On behalf of Athletics Australia we wish all of our athletes competing the best of luck.

For results and updates, stay tuned to athletics.com.au.

Athletics Australia – News