Image credit: Matt King
The Sydney Track Classic has always been a very happy hunting ground for the athletes of the Sydney University Athletic Club and the 2019 edition was no exception. 25 SUAC athletes competed in NSW’s premier high performance event, taking home a bag full of wins, minor placings and personal bests.
The standout on the track was Annie Rubie- Renshaw who was a dominant winner against a class field in the women’s 400m. Rubie ran a very strong opener at 400m running 52.57, wearing a one piece bodysuit inspired by her heroes Mel Gainsford-Taylor and Cathy Freeman just to top it all off. Bec Bennett was 8th in the same event.
Paige Campbell won the silver medal in the 5000m Championship of Australia. Campbell smashed her PB by 40seconds defying the strong winds lap after lap and finishing only a close 2nd to Melissa Duncan. The club’s 5000m record looks in danger over the European summer. Em Brichacek was 5th in the same event.
Alex Beck also got the chocolates in the men’s 400m, running a slick 46.58 in tough conditions. Beck chased down Rohan Browning who went out like the proverbial but finished the last 40m carrying what looked like two fridges on his back. Removalists are well paid these days, maybe something to consider. Browning did however still manage a PB.
In the men’s 400 hurdles Ian Dewhurst was all class, running a beautifully timed race to get the win. Dewy looks to be right on top of his game. Matt Fisher was 6th in the same race.
In the field events Nicola McDermott continued her stellar season, winning High Jump with a leap of 1.88. In the women’s Javelin, Katrina Blackett continues to pepper the World Universiade qualifier falling just short but taking the win nonetheless. Angus Armstrong was just 1cm short of his PB in the Pole Vault taking the win. Andries van Woerkom was 6th in the Men’s javelin.
Other notable performances on the evening came from Larissa Pasternatsky ( 3rd 200), Shelly Jenneke ( 3rd 100 hurdles), Liz Clay (4th 100 hurdles), Gen Cowie ( 5th 400 hurdles), Cat Bisset ( 5th 800 in a PB), James Nipperess (6th 3000 Steeple), James Ellis ( 7th 110 hurdles), Elise Abood ( 8th 800 in a PB), Beth Croft ( 12th 1500 despite a fall), Harry Wade ( 14th in the 5000m in a PB), Joe Burgess ( 17th in the 5000m) and Martin Cooper (21st in the 5000m).
At the NSW Junior Championships held the same weekend SUAC athletes also enjoyed success. Medal winners included Sarah Clifton- Blight who won an incredible 7 gold medals at the championships. Damien Mizzi also won gold in the U/20 400m securing the NSW Junior title.
SUAC athletes next compete at the Perth Track Classic and the NSW Track and Field Championships.
