Sydney University Athletics Club (SUAC) representative James Nipperess staked his claim for Commonwealth Games selection overnight in the 3000m steeplechase with a powerful performance at the Seiko Golden Grand Prix meet in Tokyo.
The former SUSF Elite Athlete Program (EAP) scholarship holder bettered the men’s steeplechase Commonwealth Games B qualifing time, posting an 8.34.64 (the B standard is 8.35.00).
Nipperess finished seventh in a deep steeplechase field, running a personal best time and bettering his own SUAC club record in the process. Nipperess will now await the discretion of the national selectors on June 2, with most astute judges agreeing that he will more than likely be added to his first senior Australian track team.
Last week Nipperess spoke, amongst other things, of his desire to perform well in Tokyo. Click here for his interview with ‘The Long Run’.
SUAC already has six athletes selected in the team. Last month Ian Dewhurst, Josh Ralph, Nick Hough, Ella Nelson (all SUSF EAP scholarship holders), Angie Ballard (former SUSF EAP scholarship holder) and Em Brichacek all qualified for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after excelling at the nationals in Melbourne.
The total tally of SUAC athletes on the Commonwealth Games team could be as many as 10, an astounding result for the club. The final team will be announced June 3.
For more information about SUAC, visit www.facebook.com/SUACinfo or www.suac.org
