Sydney University Athletics Club captain Larissa Stanley turned in a stand-out performance, winning the 400m and the 800m in the women’s 30-35 age group, at the NSW Masters Championships at Campbelltown Sports Complex, last weekend.
Stanley, a member of the athletics club for 17 years, had hung up her track spikes three years ago but was coaxed out of retirement in January – to assist the club’s injury stricken NSW Club Championships team.
“Remarkably, after such a long hiatus, Stanley has recorded near personal best performances at both meets. Needless to say her retirement plans have been shelved for the time being,” SUAC head coach Dean Gleeson said.
Newcomer Sam Stevens won gold in the men’s 400m, running an impressive 47.97sec in particularly difficult weather conditions, as well as placing 7th in the men’s 200m.
“Stevens strikes an imposing figure on the track and looks to be an athlete to watch in the future,” Gleeson said.
Competing in his first NSW Championship, SUSF staff member Andrew “Meso” Heil won bronze in the men’s 30-35 800m.
At the Under 23 meet, SUSF scholarship holder Erin Binks won the silver medal in the women’s 400m, which was well deserved after an unfortunate run of injuries over the past two seasons.
The Australian Junior Championships (|Under 20)will be held this weekend at Sydney Olympic Park. SUSF Scholarship holders Siobhan Clayton (800m) and Hugh Williams ( 5000m) will represent the club at the event.
In the weeks to come a large contingent of the club’s athletes will compete at the Christchurch Grand Prix Meet in New Zealand, the ACT Championships and the Australian Track and Field Championships in April.
