GERMAN MEETINGS – MANNHEIM – Germany and Taiwan open to junior athletes – Athletics Australia – News

In a sensational outcome for athletes aged Under 20, Athletics Australia’s Junior High Performance Department has today confirmed our invitation to once again compete at the Bauhaus Junioren Gala in Mannheim (GER) this June.

Hosted by the German Athletics Federation, this annual event, at which Australia will compete for a third consecutive year, provides a magnificent opportunity for developing track and field charges to compete against athletes from over 20 countries at a major international event.

Sara Mulkearns, Athletics Australia’s Junior High Performance Manager, said: “The relationship we now have with our friends at the German Federation is fantastic. We are so excited to once again be invited back to compete at what is a high quality and well-managed event and look forward to sharing this opportunity with some of our best Under 20 aged athletes.

“Unlike the World Youth or World Junior Championships, this event does not have a specific selection policy. Athletes will instead be selected based on meeting specific eligibility requirements and through consultation with the National Youth Event Coaches.”

To be considered for the event, athletes must have been born in 1994. A minimum requirement for eligibility is at least one performance at or better than the 2012 Athletics Australia World Junior Championships qualification standards between October 1 2012 and April 14 2013. To view these standards please click here. 

Mulkearns continued: “The trip will also include competition at a second meet in Germany.

“Last year, the 54-strong Australian Spark team that headed to World Juniors was welcomed at an event in Karlsruhe in Germany. We will be looking for a similar event in 2013 and hope it will again provide an ideal hit-out for athletes we hope will one day go on to represent Australia at the World Championships or an Olympic or Commonwealth Games.”

The Bauhaus Junioren Gala has proved a breeding ground for success. In 2011, Damien Birkinhead (Vic) and Brooke Stratton (Vic) improved the Australian under 20 shot put and long jump records respectively, while last year seven Australian Spark improved their personal best and Nicholas Hough (NSW) smashed the national under 20 110m hurdles record.

In addition to the above, Athletics Australia’s Junior High Performance Department can also confirm its intention to field an Australian squad at the Taiwan Open National Championships in May.

This event is specific to athletes aged Under 21 (born in 1993). To be considered for selection, athletes must perform at a standard at or better than those listed for their age group on the Athletics Australia Performance Matrix, available for download here. The squad will be chosen at the discretion of the Athletics Australia Junior High Performance Department.

Mulkearns added: “The Under 21 international tour is something that’s relatively new, but after the success of the trip to Taiwan last year it is something we are keen to pursue.

“One thing that Athletics Australia have identified as a key driver for maintaining high level results is an opportunity to compete on the world stage, and this tour provides that chance for those athletes transitioning from elite junior to elite senior representation.”

Athletes seeking selection to either Australian team must nominate by following the below links:
– Bauhaus Junioren Gala (Under 20)
– Taiwan Open National Championships (Under 21)

 Athletics Australia – News