Athletics Australia – News – DAY 5: Three top-eights close Australian campaign in Lille

A near capacity crowd at Stade Lille-Metropole for the fifth day of the 2011 IAAF world youth championships has provided the perfect backdrop for a quartet of Australian finalists.

Leading the charge on the javelin runway was Elliott Lang (NSW, coach: Lukas Canan), who with a season best throw of 73.55m placed 7^th.

Opening with 73.11m and 73.50m to ensure a spot in the final eight, Lang in rounds three and four threw a foul before closing his six-throw series with 70.67m and his best mark in the final round. South African Reinhard Van Zyl won the gold medal thanks to a huge 82.96m throw, improving his career best by 12 metres in the process

“There was a bit of inconsistency in my throwing today but on the whole it was a good day out,” Lang said.

“Looking at the start list the field was really strong and to see so many of the guys throw PB’s or SB’s proves that the competition was good, it was a great close to my season.

“With Will (White) and Luke Cann also in the mix for world juniors next year it’s going to be a real race for the team, I want to be throwing out somewhere near 72 metres by Nationals and then high 70’s later in the year.”

On track, Australian team captain and Youth Olympian Monica Brennan (VIC, coach: Chris Brennan) burst out of the blocks and ran strongly for a gutsy 7^th (24.08, w: +0.1) in the girl’s 200m final. Breaking through the 24 second barrier for the first time in her semi-final yesterday, Brennan today entered the straight alongside the whole field before the pre-start favourite Desiree Henry (GBR) broke away to take gold in a world youth lead time of 23.25.

“We got stood up a couple of times just to had to my nerves, but I didn’t really notice the noise to be honest,” Brennan said. 

“My run was good, obviously the stronger girls broke away on the home straight a bit but I’ve enjoyed every moment.

“The winner ran the fastest time this year and I’ve learnt so much from how she warmed up, dealt with the call room, her body structure and things like that. 

“I’ll just work harder, look to build some muscle and hopefully improve next time.”

Lining up in the boy’s 200m final shortly after was Brennan’s fellow team captain Hugh Donovan (QLD, coach: Denise Boyd). He crossed the line in 24.08 (w: +1.1) for a gallant 8^th as Stephen Newbold (BAH) took victory in a career best time of 20.89. 

“I am spent, five races in five days has been big,” Donovan said.

“Conditions today were great and I would have liked a PB but the chance to compete against guys like this in a loud and exciting environment like this is just amazing – I’m not complaining one bit. 

“Denise (Boyd) has promised some pretty tough training when I get back, but with Australian Juniors in March next year and a push for Barcelona the goal I am going to have put up with some pretty tough base work early and speed work later in the year.”

Australian under 18 champion Brodie Cross (VIC, coach: Mark Stewart) rounded out Australia’s four finalists in the boy’s pole vault. Making light work of 4.65m, Cross on his second attempt soared over 4.80m before faltering at 4.90m to finish 10^th. 

“The height today didn’t reflect how well my technique was working so that’s a bit disappointing but on the whole I’m continuing to improve and being here has been great,” Cross said.

“The longer pole that I am now using makes it harder to bend, but also lets you jump higher, so I just need to keep working at it to make sure that I can perform at a personal best level every time.”

Competition today concludes the 2011 IAAF world youth championships, with the 29-strong Australian team combining for 51 points to sit 11^th on the placing table.

Heading home with four medals – Jake Stein (gold, octathlon), Liz Parnov (silver, pole vault), Sarah Carli (silver, 400mH) and Monique Cilione (bronze, javelin) – and 13 top eight performances, the team will enjoy some well deserved rest and relaxation in Paris (FRA) before arriving home later this week.

“Congratulations to the whole team, you have worked very hard to do your best at these championships and the team’s position on the placing table is a testament to that,” Sara Mulkearns, Athletics Australia Junior High Performance Manager, said.

“I encourage you all to head home, recuperate and look towards the world junior championships next year because it could be the next step in your development as Australia’s next breed of track and field stars.

“Thank you for your commitment to the team uniform here in Lille, you have done your country and yourselves very proud.

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

 Athletics Australia – News