Athletics Australia – News – NATIONAL RECORD: Birkinhead all class at Bauhaus Junioren Gala

Damien Birkinhead has etched his name into Australian athletics history today by improving his own national under 20 shot put  (6kg) record to 20.10m at the Bauhaus Junioren Gala in Mannheim (GER).

Third placed on a count back in his pool, the Youth Olympian and world youth championships representative Birkinhead opened his account with a 19.47m throw before hitting his now new personal best mark in the penultimate round.

“You have no idea how good this feels, especially after such a frustrating couple of months with a pectoral muscle injury,” Birkinhead said at the conclusion of competition from Germany.

“From my end a PB would have been a ripper result today so to come away with a new national record is just amazing.” 

Noticeably hesitant in his action across the early rounds of competition, Birkinhead was approached by compatriot Liam Speers who told the 18-year-old from Geelong to relax and follow through with his throw.

“The injury was playing on my mind a little bit early, but Liam just came up to me and said relax and go for it,” Birkinhead continued. 

“That’s what I did from there out and the big throw just followed – it was great to have support from Liam out there today.”

“And for the opportunity I want to thank Athletics Australia too, I’ve always enjoyed the programs I’ve been involved in and my performance today for sure thanks in part to that.” 

Speers’ performance was equally impressive, with the New South Welshman heaving 18.35m for second overall in his pool before taking to the thrower’s cage for the discus throw where he placed 5th with a 55.16m best effort. His result today comes just days after a shot put personal best 18.55m throw and victory in the discus at a warm-up meet in Hesson (GER).

In other Australian results at the Bauhaus Junioren Gala today:

–       Jordan Williamsz clocked 3:43.40 to win the men’s 1500m in style. Taking line honours only days after a 1:48.30 personal best in the 800m, the 2009 world youth championships representative Williamsz is trained by Richard Huggins and Nic Bideau

–       Queenslander Alexander Beck clocked 48.73 in the men’s 400m.

–       Australian Flame Liz Parnov cleared 4.00m in the girl’s pole vault. She will next compete at the 2011 IAAF world youth championships commencing Wednesday, July 6 in Lille (FRA). 

“Damo (Birkinhead) is a star,” Sara Mulkearns, Athletics Australia Junior High Performance Manager, said.

“When we first met him at the U17 Development Squad program he was a real shy kid with a lot of talent but today is a team leader in every way, a fantastic athlete and without question one of the nicest kids you’ll come across. 

“Competition is back on here tomorrow and after today’s results I am looking forward to it – with the world youths later in the week too it is going to be a big fortnight for some of Australia’s best junior athletes.”

Taking to the track or field in Mannheim tomorrow are Brandon Starc (high jump), Brooke Stratton (long jump), Tim McGuire (long jump), Taryn Gollshewsky (discus throw), Kuey Diew (800m) and Eliza Curnow (800m).

Athletics Australia – News