Summer Down Under
The wheelchair Summer Down Under Series continued last night at Blacktown in Sydney. Some exciting events held were the relays and athlete elimination races, this is where the last athlete of the pack who passed the bell was eliminated. Winners on the night included two-time Commonwealth Games representative Eliza Ault-Connell with three wins and American visitor Daniel Romanchuk with four victories. You can find full results here. The final event in the series is the GIO Oz Day 10k, at the Rocks in Sydney, from 9.00 am Friday 26 January.
Oceania Athletics Masters Track and Field
Currently underway is the Oceania Athletics Masters Track and Field Championships that is being held in Caledonian Grounds, Dunedin. Competition did not lack for experience. One of the oldest entrants participating in the competition started competing in athletics much longer than most of us have been alive. One of the popular events was the weight throws where the photographer took some great photos. The nine competitors who lined up in the weight throw event had a combined age of 706, this is an average age of just over 78 per person. This age group was throwing a 5.45kg or 7.26kg weight around. Congratulations to all competitors.
Queens Baton Relay Update
Last week was first day of the Queens Baton Relay in Canberra. The city kicked off festivities with over 70 people joining in the relay. The relay took place around the capital, where Canberra Citizens were warned of temporary road closures around the city. Paralympic gold medalist Lindy Hou is one of the many participants who will carry the baton. Hou said she was honoured to participate in the relay and said losing her vision had not stopped her pursuing athletics, competing in the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games, she wanted to show her disability was not a barrier from living her life. We look forward to watching the progress of the Baton.