Sydney University Athletics Club (SUAC) member Lara Tamsett has narrowly missed the Olympic qualifying standard of 31.45 at the Payton Jordon Invitational Meet 10000m held at Stanford University over the weekend.
Despite this, Tamsett – a Sydney University Elite Athlete (EAP) scholarship holder (Bachelor of Media & Communications) – still slashed more than 20 seconds off her personal best time (32.01).
This is an amazing achievement to say the least considering she has spent the best part of the last year on the sidelines injured.
Fellow EAP scholarship holder James Nipperess (B Health Science (Physiotherapy) also contested his first race since his dramatic fall at the National Championships, finishing in 8.48 at the same meet at Stanford University.
Also overseas, Lachlan Renshaw (EAP scholarship holder) took the baton for the Australian team at the prestigious Penn Relays.
Renshaw (B. Commerce) ran the 800m leg of the Distance Medley Relay – the Australian team finished 5th.
Upcoming races this week for overseas athletes will be in Oregon where Nipperess and Milly Clarke are scheduled to compete in steeple events.
At home Russell Desaix-Chin has opened up his X-Country campaign with a win in the Novice 10000m Fun Run.
The winter season will continue this Sunday with the running of the Adidas Sydney Ten where Desaix-Chin is one of the favourites to take out what doubles as the NSW Road Running Championship.