Athletics Australia – News – U19 SQUAD: Summer camps underway in Mooloolaba

The nation’s best up and coming sprinters descended on Mooloolaba (QLD) this past week for the first summer camp of the Athletics Australia Under 19 Talent Squad.

Hosted by National Youth Event Coach Jackie Byrnes, the weeklong program of training and education sessions encouraged complete coach engagement, with all personal coaches attending and taking part.

Sara Mulkearns, Athletics Australia Junior High Performance Manager, said: “The sprint camp was the first of eleven camps to be held across December and early in the New Year, with our National Youth Event Coaches welcoming their respective athletes and personal coaches for extended programs in their home state.

“The camps are an extension on the already existing Under 19 program, and they are designed around ensuring complete personal coach support. We are lucky to have so many great coaches in this country and the athletes are fortunate to work with them.

Training formed the basis of the camp’s program, with track, gym and pool sessions all included in the program. Athletes were also encouraged to live independently, with the self-sufficient apartments providing an ideal opportunity for athletes to cook for each other nightly.

Mulkearns added: “I was so impressed by the commitment of the athletes and their coaches to the activities offered.

“The athletes were outstanding in their training, and their relay changes were super. We couldn’t have asked for a more engaging group of personal coaches either and that’s a fantastic step forward for all involved.”

The camp culminated with a competition opportunity at the Queensland State Relays, with all four sprint relay teams entered. The girl’s teams of Monica Brennan (Vic), Abbey de la Motte (Tas), Morgan Mitchell (Vic) and a local athlete crossed first and second in the women’s 4x100m and 4x400m respectively, while Hugh Donovan (Qld), Jay Meaney (NSW), Matt Bertacco (Vic) and Jarryd Buchan (Vic) finished third in the 4x100m and sixth in the 4x400m.

Athletics Australia congratulate all the athletes involved, and thank personal coaches Wayne Mason, Glynis Nunn-Cearns, Denise Boyd, Peter Burke, Peter Fortune, Chris Brennan and Steve Gaffney for their continued support and outstanding personal coaching.

Athletics Australia – News