Success at the Sydney Track Classic

NSWIS athlete Dani Samuels was among the winners at the 2011 Sydney Track Classic over the weekend after getting the better of American Becky Breisch in the women’s discus.

In a matchup that was seen as a precursor to this year’s world championship, Samuels showed why she is the reigning world champion with a throw of 58.34 metres on a miserable night in Sydney. Although it was well down on her personal best, Samuels’ best on the night was nearly three metres further than American’s best.

Other gold medallists from the night included Jeremy Roff in the men’s 1500m, who clocked a time of 3:39.03. Roff’s finishing mark on a wet track was well outside the ‘A’ qualifying time but just outside the ‘B’ qualifying time.

Fellow NSWIS athlete Lachlan Renshaw continued his strong Australian season with a silver medal in the men’s 800m behind Kenya’s David Rudisha.. Although the time was slower than his recent personal best in Melbourne, Renshaw was able to finish ahead of Olympic 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop on his way to the podium.

The Institute’s women’s wheelchair athletes also had a successful meet. Angela Ballard picked up gold in the women’s 200m and silver in the women’s 100m, while Christie Dawes finished with bronze medals in both events.

The final of the Australian Athletics Tour will be held in Perth from March 31 – April 1.