Linden Hall has written her name in the history books after running 4:00.86 at the Prefontaine Classic, surpassing her former coach Sarah Jamieson’s Australian record by 0.07.

Hall finished sixth in the red-hot field, with the first four runners all dipping under the four-minute mark. Hall ran relaxed but with determination. She held onto the front pack and finished strong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hu-Rvks0SU

She said she planned to focus on racing and she ignored the clock.

“I’m feeling really proud that I followed that plan pretty closely, as turns out it worked out well. I felt I ran confidently, and didn’t let the calibre of the field overwhelm me,” Hall said.

Exactly two years earlier at the same meet, Hall turned heads as she ran a personal best of 4:01.78. With this personal best came a new ambition, and a new belief, that she could break Jamieson’s record of 4:00.93.

“I got a sniff of the record and it’s been high on my to-do list since then. It doesn’t quite feel real, it’s something I’ve been chasing for a while now so it’s hard to believe I’ve finally achieved it,” Hall said.

Hall is no stranger to the University of Oregan’s historic Hayward Field, home to the Prefontaine Classic. She ran on the track many times during her college career at the University of Florida from 2011-2015.

But prior to her time in the United States, Hall was coached by Sarah Jamieson. A long-time idol for her, Hall said Jamieson has been an ever-important person in her corner.

“It’s pretty special to think I’ve been able to run as quick as Sarah. I remember when she ran four minutes back in 2006 and thinking it was crazy fast. So it’s certainly not something I thought I’d be able to ever do back then,” Hall said.

“It’s also finally the Athletics Essendon club record, which I’m just as excited to finally have!”

Since her return to Australia in 2015, Hall has been coached by the renowned Bruce Scriven, who also coached Jamieson.

She will now return to Flagstaff, Arizona for a stint at Altitude before organising the remainder of her season.

“Lots of planning to be done, hopefully this run today will open up some doors and fast racing opportunities,” she said.

“The rest of the summer we’ll be looking for some more fast 1500s but also looking to have a crack at another 5km.”

Fellow Australian Zoe Buckman finished 13th in the 1500m in 4:08.75.

Luke Mathews showcased his current stellar form as he backed up his Commonwealth Games 800m bronze with a win in the Men’s international mile.

His fourth ever race at Hayward Field, Mathews improved on his sixth place in the event last year.

He drifted towards the back of the field in the mid stages of the race but looked strong with one lap to go. Keeping the crowd on their toes once again, he used his trademark finishing speed to his advantage, rocketing past his opponents in the final straight to claim line honours.

“It was a great start to the international season. My fitness is in a good spot, and I had a decent kick early in the season. I’m really looking forward to this year,” Mathews said.

The post Hall eclipses Australian 1500m record appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

The Leonora Golden Gift, Australia’s richest outback mile, returns in 2018 bigger than ever. Each year, the event draws middle distance stars from all over Australia to Leonora, a regional mining town in Western Australia. National champions, junior sensations, and Australian representatives alike take to the bitumen in the hopes to claim line honours.

Held on the Western Australia Day long weekend (June 2-4), the 16^th edition of the community carnival offers road racing of all distances, horse racing, fireworks and more.

The showcase events on June 3, the men’s and women’s road miles, will feature an array of Australia’s finest middle distance runners. With a whopping $6000 up for grabs for a first place finish, and prize money all the way down to eighth spot, both races are set to be a fierce contest.

We take a look at a few of the athlete’s headlining this year’s start lists.

Men’s Elite Mile Field:

• James Nipperess – 2018 Commonwealth Games Australian representative
• Matthew Ramsden
• Jordan Gusman
• Chris Dale
• Alain Dutton
• Luke Graves
• Ben Chamberlin
• Jake Mason
• Steve Knuckey
• Nathan Scott
• MJ van Rensburg
• James Hansen

Matthew Ramsden:

Young gun Matthew Ramsden is ready to make an impact at this year’s Leonora Golden Gift. A member of the sub-four-minute mile club, the Perth local has had an abundance of race experience both within Australia and internationally. The Melbourne Track Club athlete has spent his last few months training back home in Perth before he heads to Europe after Leonora. Ramsden, known for his confidence in attacking races and his fast finish, will be one to look out for at the Golden Gift.

Jordan Gusman:

Defending champion Jordan Gusman will toe the Leonora Golden Gift start line this year for the fourth time. After being crowned champion last year in a swift 4:03.21, the middle distance specialist will be hoping for a repeat performance. Gusman, who holds a lifetime mile best of 3:57.29, is in sizzling form. Earlier this month at Payton Jordan, he ran a tactical 3:43.19 1500m to win Section 2. Less than one hour later, he clocked a 13 second personal best of 13:35.76 in the 5000m. Gusman will be sure to take to the start line with confidence following these recent performances.

James Hansen:

James Hansen returns to Leonora hungry for more after a seventh place finish in 2017. He showcased his stellar form in the 2017/2018 track and field season, lowering his 1500m personal best to 3:38.90 in March. This year marks his fourth Leonora appearance. Hansen has proved his endurance over recent cross country races, while also running sub-1:50 in the 800m earlier this year. Following months of consistent training, he positions himself well heading into the Leonora Golden Gift.

Women’s Elite Mile Field:

• Madeline Hills – 2018 Commonwealth Games Australian representative
• Melissa Duncan
• Paige Campbell
• Holly Campbell
• Bernadette Williams
• Lillian Price
• Abigail Rose
• Chloe Tighe
• Bri Ilarda
• Jaz Long
• Jasmine Pugh

Madeline Hills:

Madeline Hills is no stranger to the Leonora Golden Gift. The 2017 winner, who clocked an impressed 4:41.22, is well practiced on this road course. While she favours the longer events at major championships, including the 5000m and 10,000m, Hills’ speed is not to be underestimated. Can she snag two wins in two years? A decorated athlete, Hills brings experience and racing class to the field, and will be one to watch.

Melissa Duncan:

Following a nasty period of injury in 2016, Melissa Duncan is back, and in form. The 2014 Leonora Golden Gift winner returned to Western Australia last year, but was still in the early phases of her comeback, and finished fifth. One year of rebuilding later and Duncan is more determined than ever. A win late last year in the 5km Noosa Bolt against an impressive field proves her fitness is there. Coupled with her renowned finishing speed, Duncan has what it takes to make it to the top of the podium.

Bri Ilarda:

Twenty-two year old Bri Ilarda is another headliner for the women’s event. The current Providence College student, who grew up in Perth, will be back in her home state for the Golden Gift during the college mid-year break. Ilarda boasts a mile personal best of 4:43.25, which will make her competitive in the field. Years of racing in the United States will play in her favour as she takes to the bitumen next month.

How to watch:

This year’s race will be live streamed on the Runner’s Tribe Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/runnerstribe/

Heats: Saturday June 2

• 6pm Elite Mile – Women’s Heats
• 6.10pm Elite Mile – Men’s Heats

Finals: Sunday June 3

• 12.05pm 600m – Open/Elite Women’s Final 1st $1000 2nd $550 3rd $300 | Local 1st $200 2nd $100 3rd $50
• 12.15pm 600m – Open/Elite Men’s Final 1st $1000 2nd $550 3rd $300 | Local 1st $200 2nd $100 3rd $50
• 2.15pm 120m – Open Women’s Final  1st $1250 2nd $500 3rd $300 4th $200 | Local 1st $250 2nd $150 3rd $75 4th $25
• 2.25pm 120m – Open Men’s Final  1st $1250 2nd $500 3rd $300 4th $200 | Local 1st $250 2nd $150 3rd $75 4th $25

• 2.45pm ELITE MILE – Women’s Final 1st $6000 2nd $4000 3rd $2000 4th $1500 5th $1000 6th $750 7th $500 8th $250

• 3pm ELITE MILE – Men’s Final1st $6000 2nd $4000 3rd $2000 4th $1500 5th $1000 6th $750 7th $500 8th $250

Live stream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runnerstribe/

Race Program is available here: http://www.leonoragoldengift.com/programme/

Major Sponsors

The post Leonora Golden Gift Elite Mile 2018 – RT’s Feature Field Preview appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

It was April 2016 and Melissa Duncan was at the top of her game.

She had received automatic selection into the Australian Rio Olympic team to contest her pet event, the 1500 metres.

Just a few weeks earlier, the Melbourne Track Club sensation had finished an impressive sixth in the 1500m at the World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon.

She held a personal best of 4:05.56, set at the Oslo Diamond League the previous year. The performance had launched her into fifth place on the Australian all-time list.

A shining star of Australian middle distance running, the Rio Olympics marked her seventh opportunity to represent Australia.

All was well. Until it wasn’t.

Disaster struck while she was on a run. Duncan landed awkwardly and heard a distinct crack – every runner’s world nightmare.

The diagnosis was an avulsion fracture, which comprised of both a foot fracture and torn ligament. A twofold blow. While the setback hindered her Rio preparation, which was just a few months away, Duncan did not waver from her Olympic dream. She accepted the challenge. Six weeks in the pool was on the agenda before she could run again, and she was determined to make it to the start line come August.

Duncan travelled to Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport to focus on her cross-training. In June, right on schedule, she completed her first comeback run.

Despite her best attempts to have her body ready for Rio, however, the injury cloud continued to loom. The turnaround time proved too short and her foot re-fractured three weeks out from the Games, leaving Duncan devastated. Her Olympic hopes had been dashed.

The prognosis was dire. What was initially a six-week injury had transcended into something much more concerning. Duncan underwent foot surgery in July, as surgeons questioned whether she would ever run again. But that was never an option for Duncan.  

“I had a bone graft as well as plates and screws along the bone to fuse it to the joint, which stayed in for four months. This made me immobile because the plate was across the joint so I couldn’t walk on it without pain and I always felt anxious about risk of snapping it inside my foot,” she said.

In November 2016, the plate and screws were removed during her final surgery. Duncan welcomed her new and improved foot.

“My foot came out of the plaster as this beautiful, flawless, squishy foot, none of the typical callous ridden ‘runner’s foot’ that was evident a few months earlier! This meant that I had to do extensive rehab work on it to regain the muscle before I could consider running again,” Duncan said.

Almost one year after the initial fracture, Duncan recommenced running. Once again, it was a process of baby steps.

“I had huge feelings of trepidation when I was initially allowed to run because I didn’t trust my body’s capability. I had a lot of discomfort as I progressed back into running, so having the confidence to run through the discomfort, knowing that each run was getting my foot stronger was the greatest challenge,” she said.

It was a long year. The extended amount of time out of action was tough for the Melbourne-based middle distance star. When she was not cross-training, Duncan, also a primary school teacher, propelled her energy into work, motivational speaking, teaching pottery and playing guitar.

“It’s important to be patient, stay positive, be diligent with the rehab process and take your time to get back into training. I think keeping yourself busy in other areas helps to make each day out of training more enjoyable,” Duncan said.

But the fire inside Duncan to get back on track burned stronger than ever.

“I’m stubborn and know I have unfinished business in the sport, which I have no intention of giving up on. I’ll definitely be having a good crack at the next Olympics,” she said.

The moment of sweetness she had been waiting for came in January 2017, when she jogged her first steps. And she’s been on the rise ever since.

Fast-forward another year and Duncan’s persistence is paying dividends, with the now 28-year-old gaining fitness as each week passes. After stringing together months of consistent training both in Melbourne and Falls Creek with coach Nic Bideau’s Melbourne Track Club, Duncan is on the resurgence.

A November win in the Noosa Bolt 5km proved that her foot, and mind, is stronger than ever.

“Noosa Bolt was a lot of fun, I wanted to have a go at the longer distances this year because I was still nervous about running fast after my foot surgery. As the season progressed I built a good foundation in training and  have started to feel more confident to get into some faster running and look forward to some more 1500m races in the future,” Duncan said.

While she is dissatisfied with her track results this summer, Duncan is now practiced in the art of patience.

“I’ve been able to reach a new level in training that I hadn’t prior to my injury, but unfortunately this form hasn’t nearly been reflected in my racing. I want to spend this year racing as much as I can to regain that confidence and explore my strengths over various distances,” she said.

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Now back on track to achieve her Olympic dream, it is time for redemption. Whatever the sport throws at Duncan, she will be ready.

“I don’t doubt that I’ll face many more challenges over the upcoming years but having experienced this adversity has set me up to be able to cope with anything that may test me in the future,” she said.

The post Melissa Duncan – back on track appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

The Australian Gold Coast 2018 track and field team today continued their medal streak on the field, concluding the final day of competition with two additional medals.

High jump sensation Nicola McDermott lit up Carrara stadium as she rocketed to 1.91m and a bronze medal. Recording a personal best of 1.91m on her first attempt, the elated 21-year-old said the podium finish was like “aiming for the moon and getting along the stars.”

Standing at 186cm since the age of 14, McDermott said she was drawn to the event after never enjoying co-ordination based sports. When she trialled high jump for the first time as a school-girl, she knew she had found her calling.

And for the promising soarer, the sky isn’t even the limit.

“Attempting two metres, that’s the dream. I want to get up there so today was probably one of the most inspirational days I’ve ever had,” McDermott said.

The final medal from the Aussie athletics team was claimed by decorated javelin thrower Hamish Peacock. Peacock, who finish third in Glasgow, went one better as he collected the silver medal with his throw of 82.59m.

A gallant effort against a world-class field saw the men’s 4x100m finish fourth in 38.58, a season’s best time. Steady changes and explosive relay legs by Trae Williams, Rohan Browning and then Jack Hale saw Josh Clarke grasp the baton in second place. Unfortunately, fast-finishing final legs from South Africa (38.24) and Jamaica (38.35) proved too strong for Clarke, and they overtook him on the home straight to join eventual winner, England (38.13), on the podium.

Heartbreak struck in the women’s 4x100m, made up of Brianna Beahan, Maddie Coates, Riley Day and Melissa Breen, when Breen fell at the final changeover after experiencing issues with a troublesome hamstring.

It was later revealed that the team would have been disqualified nonetheless after start-runner Brianna Beahan breached a lane infringement.

“It probably wasn’t our day today but we had a great time out there competing in front of an awesome crowd,” Breen said.

“We’ve all had our individual events which has been great but it’s been wonderful to come together as a team and have another opportunity to represent Australia in front of a packed crowd. We can still smile, as we all are right now, because it’s been an awesome few weeks for us.”

Celia Sullohern (fifth, 15:34.73), Eloise Wellings (eighth, 15:39.02) and Madeline Hills, (10th, 15:46.92) rounded out their Games program in style in the women’s 5000m. With all three having competed in the 10,000m event earlier this week, by the end of their race today, the close trio had circled Carrara stadium a whopping 37.5 times this week.

“Between the start line and the finish line, we’re the fiercest of competitors. And outside that, great friends. It’s been an absolute honour to live and race and work with these girls,” Sullohern said.

While today’s time was a far way off her lifetime best of 14:54.11, Wellings said she was content with the race and felt she did herself justice.

“I feel like I put myself in the mix and was competitive, and my mental game was strong. I knew I’d be tired from the 10km but you just need to play on,” Wellings said.

“I’m still learning. I’m still a student of the sport and I still love it. It might be my last 5km championship track race for a while, I want to move up to the 10km and potentially the marathon.”

For the first time since 2006, Australia had three representatives in the men’s 1500m. All within medal contention, the men were set to impressive in front of the home crowd. Unfortunately, however, the race did not play out in their favour.

Jordy Williamsz was the first home in sixth (3:38.34), flying home to overtake multiple athletes in the final straight.

Australian record holder Ryan Gregson asserted himself early on but finished 9th in 3:39.24.

“I wanted to win, I didn’t want to go into this as someone just flashing home late for a bronze. I did want to try and win but I think it just took a toll on me being more aggressive early,” he said.

The 800m bronze medallist Luke Mathews rounded out the Australian contingent in 12th, running 3:47.04. Running the 800m/1500m double at the championship with a short turnaround period proved tough, but Mathews is certain he can be competitive at both in the future.

“I’m still only 22, so at the next Commonwealth Games I’ll be 26 and at the next Olympics I’ll be 25. So if I double at the next one, I’ll be three years fitter and a hell of a lot better,” he said.

The final Australian event of the day, the women’s 4x400m, saw a classy team of Anneliese Rubie, Caitlin Sargent-Jones, Lauren Wells and Morgan Mitchell give it their all to finish fifth. The team was an exact replica of the Glasgow 2014 team, including the running order, but this time, the quartet ran three seconds quicker, clocking 3:27.43.

Tomorrow’s marathon looks set to be a spectacle, with the Australian team comprising of Jessica Trengove, Lisa Weightman and Virigina Moloney in the women’s, and Liam Adams and Michael Shelley in the men’s.

The post Super Saturday at Carrara – Aussies represent with pride on the penultimate day of athletics appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

Written by Grace Kalac – Runner’s Tribe – Reporting from the Gold Coast

It was a tumultuous day of athletics on day six of the Commonwealth Games, which left the track and field team with an abundance of mixed emotions.

The men’s 4x100m team, comprising of Trae Williams, Rohan Browning, Jack Hale and Josh Clarke, absolutely clicked. Their changes were smooth and their relay legs were strong. They finished second in heat one (38.71), gaining automatic selection into the final, set to be held tomorrow afternoon.

For the first time since 2006, Australia will have three representatives in the men’s 1500m final at the Commonwealth Games. Ryan Gregson, Luke Mathews, and Jordy WIlliamsz all booked their spot in tomorrow afternoon’s final.

Nina Kennedy was Australia’s field event star of the day, snagging an impressive bronze medal in the women’s pole vault. Kennedy soared to 4.60 metres to secure her spot on the podium.

After disappointing performances on the world stage in the past, Kennedy was in the zone, clearing each height on her first attempt until she hit 4.65m.

“That was everything I dreamed of,” Kennedy said.

“I had a job today and I just went and did it.”

Although golden girl Sally Pearson was absent, Australia was well-represented in the women’s 100m hurdles final. Jiggling Michelle Jenneke finished an impressive but painful fourth place (13.07), with teammate Brianna Beahan not far behind in fifth (13.11).

Heptathlete Celeste Mucci also lost hold of the bronze medal, after Niamh Emerson of England surpassed her in the final event, the 800m. Mucci settled for fourth, which while agonising, is an impressive feat for her first senior championships.

Another fourth place was awarded to medal-hope Matty Denny in the men’s discus final, who threw 62.53m to miss a medal by less than one metre.

The men’s 4x400m team faced heartbreak when they were disqualified at the final changeover for moving into the incorrect position. The team had run sharply to finish third in their heat and grab selection into the final. The Australian team lodged an appeal following the disqualification but it was overruled.

Heartache struck once again in the men’s 10,000m. Patrick Tiernan finished the race 10th but was later disqualified due to a lane infringement.

Tiernan, exhausted post-race, was assisted into a wheelchair. But in a display of true sportsmanship, similar to that of the Australian 10,000m girls on Monday evening, he remained trackside in the wheelchair until he shook hands with the final runner.

Stewart McSweyn came 11th (28:58.22) in the men’s 10,000m, backing up from his fifth place in the 5000m earlier this week.

Steeplerchaser James Nipperess finished ninth, clocking 8:58.16. Kenya dominated the event, taking a clean sweep across the podium.

The post Happiness and heartbreak on Day Six at Carrara Stadium appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

Written by Grace Kalac – Runner’s Tribe – Reporting from the Gold Coast

For the first time since 2006, three Australians will don the green and gold in the men’s 1500m final at the Commonwealth Games.

This time, the 2006 combination of Fountain, Roff and Mottram will be replaced by an equally impressive Gregson, Mathews and Williamsz trio.

Ryan Gregson kept spectators anxious in heat one of the 1500m on Friday morning. Gregson, renowned for his formidable kick, stayed composed at the back of the field before blitzing home in the final 250m for automatic qualification.

“I knew if I waited out the back and stayed out of trouble, I was only going to be 5 metres from the front and I was. I just waited,” said Gregson.

“I felt great and I was within myself at the end. I’m looking good.”

The Australian record holder raced with control, showcasing his medal potential as he eased up at the finish line for 3:43.06 behind Kenyan winner Timothy Cheruiyot.

Whatever the final throws at Gregson, he is prepared.

The 27-year-old, who sports a personal best of 3:31.06, will draw from his countless experiences in championship racing when he takes on the best in the Commonwealth.

“I’d be surprised if it’s slow, The Kenyans probably learned a bit with the Olympic final two years ago that if you make it a slow race, it opens it up. So, I think it’ll be quick,” Gregson said.

“I’m ready to race if it’s fast and race if it’s slow, I’m ready for both scenarios.”

After finishing seventh in heat one, in a time of 3:47.08, Luke Mathews had written off the possibility of a finals berth. Absolutely spent from his 800m bronze medal performance just 13 hours earlier, he spoke solemnly post-race about his disappointment of non-qualification.

All of a sudden, mid-interview, his ears pricked up as he heard the results of the second heat. It had been remarkably slow, with only the first two competitors clocking a time faster than his.

Tears filled Mathews’ eyes as he realised what it meant. In a twist of fate, he had scored himself a non-automatic spot into the final and with that, one last chance at a 2018 Commonwealth Games podium finish.

“My goal was to get a medal in the 8 and try make the final in the 15 and go as best as I can,” Mathews said.

“I’ll have very very very good memories of the Commonwealth Games for the rest of my career now.”

Claiming the final non-automatic spot was Jordy Williamsz, who ran 3:47.75 to finish fifth in heat two. The bunched race proved both a physical and tactical affair, but Williamsz advanced.

“I should definitely be in the final. What would have let me down then was a poor tactical run, but I’ve luckily snuck through,” Williamsz said.

“I’m good in a final so let’s get there”.

Making up a quarter of the start line, the odds of a medal from the green and gold look promising.

The trio will line up in front of a home crowd at Carrara Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 4.10pm AEST.

The post Gregson, Mathews, Williamsz – Aussie trinity of 1500m runners make it to the big dance appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

Written by Grace Kalac – Runner’s Tribe – Reporting from the Gold Coast

When an athlete wins a medal at a major championships, they often take the time to thank both their coach and their parents for their ongoing support and sacrifices.

But when Luke Mathews and Brooke Stratton claimed podium finishes on Thursday night at the Commonwealth Games, the significant figure that they thanked played both roles.

Long jumper Stratton has been coached by her father Russell ever since she commenced Little Athletics as a primary school student.

Mathews’ mother Liz coached the middle distance runner in high school, and then recommenced coaching duties with the 22-year-old last year.

A parent-child coaching partnership is certainly not an easy one, and it is one that does not always work.

Ensuring that the line between parent and coach does not become blurred can be especially difficult, particularly when parents are present for their child’s highest of highs and their lowest of lows.

But as Stratton and Mathews have shown, when the partnership gels correctly, true magic can happen.

A headliner of the Gold Coast 2018 athletics program, Mathews’ 800m final was set to be a blockbuster.

While he positioned himself in the box seat throughout the initial stages of the race, he tensed up with 200m to go and begun to fade.

While some spectators may have lost hope for the middle distance runner, Mathews, and his mother, did not.

The race turned upside down in the final 50 metres and Mathews capitalised, navigating through the gaps in the field to creep into medal contention in front of a blaring Carrara Stadium. The result was bronze in 1:45.60, which also marked a season’s best time.

“When I got my senses together and relaxed a little bit, I found another gear and somehow went from fifth or sixth to third,” he said.

“It all just kind of fell into place in the end.”

Mathews did not miss sharing the moment with anyone on his lap of honour, taking his time to well and truly lap it all up. But there was one person who he owed everything to.

He dedicated the performance to his devoted coach/mum, who let out an “I’m so proud of you” between sobs as the two embraced post-race.

“It was actually pretty emotional. As everyone’s seen, my journey the last nine months or so, it’s been an absolute bloody rollercoaster. So to enjoy it with those people who have been there since day one, it was just awesome,” Mathews said.

Similarly, Stratton dealt with her own hardships in 2017. She faced injury late last year which put her spot on the Australian team at risk.

But thanks to the continual support of her father Russell, she made it to the long jump runway. And not just to the runway, but to the dais as well. She leapt 6.77m to convincingly take the silver medal.

“It’s so special having my father coach me, we’re a great team and we’ve made it work for all these years. It’s great to share the journey with him,” said Stratton.

Stratton and Mathews are not the only Australian track and field athletes coached by their parents. Sprinter Trae Williams, pole-vaulter Liz Parnov, and gold-medal winning walker Dane Bird-Smith, are among those whose parents embody the role of both coach and parent.

No one knows their child better than a parent, and if the right amount of respect and understanding exists between both parties, the double duty is achievable. Look no further than middle distance legend and IAAF president Lord Sebastian Coe, who was coached by his father Peter.

As it turns out, unconditional love mixed with guidance and instruction, can often prove to be a recipe for success.

The post Family ties – Parent-child coaching partnerships thrive on the Gold Coast appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

Written by Grace Kalac – Runner’s Tribe – Reporting from the Gold Coast

Sixteen-year-old Keely Small has raced beyond her years in the women’s 800m heats. She hung on for sixth in a fast-paced first heat, racing superbly to clock 2:00.81 to finish 11th overall.

Not only surpassing her own Australian under 18 record by 0.65, she eclipsed the Australian under 20 record as well, which makes her Australia’s fastest ever junior 800m runner.

The Year 11 student was at the forefront of controversy surrounding the selector’s decisions to include her in the Australian team. She finishing last in the trials but was picked due to both her past and her potential.

She had a lot to prove today, and she did so. And with a bright future ahead, the valuable race experience will no doubt aid her in future championships.

Next up in the 800m heats was Brittany McGowan. Despite her fast finish, McGowan faced trouble finding a gap to break through in the later stages of the race and finished fifth in 2:01.17, 13th overall.

Rounding out the Aussie 800m women was Georgia Griffith. Griffith flew home for third in heat three but missed out on automatic selection by a brutal 0.04. With only two non-automatic spots up for grabs, her time did not fare quick enough.

Griffith has shone at the Gold Coast this week. Today, she attained her third personal best in as many races, after claiming a credible fifth place in the women’s 1500m earlier this week.

Hammer throw silver medallist Matt Denny has a chance to add to his Gold Coast 2018 medal collection after throwing 64.67m and booking his spot in the discus final, to be held on Friday evening. He will be joined by Benn Harradine (61.64m) and Mitchell Cooper (59.68).

Despite golden girl Sally Pearson’s withdrawal from the game due to an Achilles injury, Australia will have two representatives in the women’s 100m hurdles final.

While Pearson did not take to the start line, her presence still made it onto the track. Her mentee Brianna Beahan ran an equal personal best of 13.02 to finish second in heat one.

In-form Michelle Jenneke placed fourth in a quick second heat, stopping the clock in a season best performance of 12.99.

Celeste Mucci has commenced her heptathlon campaign impressively, clocking a huge personal best of 13.19 in the 100m hurdles as the blitzed the field in the opening event.

She backed it up with another personal best in the high jump (1.75m), and is now placed third overall (2012 points) just ahead of fellow Australian Alysha Burnett (2001 points).

The post Small’s big day – Day 5 morning recap appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

Written by Grace Kalac – Runner’s Tribe – Reporting from the Gold Coast

There was no way a foot injury and a gangrenous appendix was going to stand in the way of Genevieve LaCaze and Victoria Mitchell seeing out their Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games dreams.

On Wednesday evening at Carrara Stadium, 3000m steeplechasers LaCaze and Mitchell finished fifth and ninth respectively. While their finishing places were exact replicas of their performances in Glasgow 2014, their 2018 Games preparation did not follow suit.

Despite their adversities, both girls made it to the start line and gave it their all in front of a roaring home crowd.

Their courageousness, and their determination to perform before their ever-so-proud nation, show that sometimes the stories behind the athletes can mean much more than the medals.

Just two weeks ago, Mitchell underwent emergency surgery to have her appendix removed. Doctors gave her a 50 per cent chance of competing at the games, but Mitchell would have been out there regardless of any statistics. She was back on the track just three days later to prove her fitness and gain the nod to compete.

“I had to make the start line. I knew what an amazing thing a home Games is. In 2006 (The Melbourne Commonwealth Games) I was there, and that’s my fondest memory even though I’ve been to two Olympics. Nothing beats a home crowd,” Mitchell said.

Teammate LaCaze expressed admiration towards her strong-minded teammate.

“Victoria is a unique girl because I’m telling you now, I don’t know one other human that would go through what she went through and then fight her way back onto this track,” LaCaze said post-race.

If anyone knows how to pull off a rushed preparation, it is Australian record holder Genevieve LaCaze. Her stunning performance at last year’s World Championship was a consequence of hours of daily cross training and a refusal to allow an injury to deter her.

This time round, it was no easier. While crutches and four months in a moon boot was far from ideal, once again, she did not let a setback withhold her from the start line.

LaCaze raced in a gusty manner, giving herself every chance for a medal. While the short time-frame between her injury and the Games did not allow for her to be in peak physical form, it was clear that her mental game was all there.

On reflection, LaCaze said although disappointed, “when I put it into perspective and I step back I’m really proud.”

“Six months ago I was told I couldn’t come with an injury and on January 2nd this year I took my first step,” she said.

“I think fifth, and the way I ran, it was what I had in the tank. I might take a while to comprehend it all but it is what it is.”

“I know I’ve got so much more to give and unfortunately timing was terrible with a home games but I can’t look at it that way because it’s athletics, everyone has these moments in their career and I’m not going to let it make me feel like I’m not heading in the right direction.”

A Gold Coast home girl herself, the run was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for LaCaze. Emotional, electrifying and inspiring, all at once.

“When I ran out and took my first few strides on the track, I nearly burst into tears. I had goose bumps from head to toe, it was just one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever witnessed,” she said.

“I could hear voices I recognised which was bizarre. I saw my high school coach, I heard aunties I haven’t seen in a few years. It gave me a really positive feel and I was so pumped for the race.”

A medal at a home games from the hometown hero. It had long been the dream, and an achievable one at that. But while LaCaze spoke often about her ambitions for a podium finish, it was never at the crux of why she gets up each morning and laces up her running shoes.

“It’s about the journey. I meet people like Vic (Mitchell) that inspire me. I have a friend Eloise Wellings, who inspires me daily because she has a foundation on the side of having a child and running. There are people around us that are superheroes, and they’re not in for the medals,” LaCaze said.

“Not many of us have medals, if any. For the ones that are doing sport just because they love it, I’d say you’re winning more than a medal.”

The post LaCaze and Mitchell overcome adversity to run before a home crowd appeared first on Runner's Tribe.

In a testing night of Aussie track at Carrara Stadium, para sprinter Evan O’Hanlon has won gold in the T38 100 metres, Celia Sullohern has finished a credible sixth in the women’s 10,000 metres, and Georgia Griffith, Linden Hall, Zoe Buckman and Steve Solomon have advanced to their respective finals.

O’Hanlon put down a performance as sensational as his newly-renowned moustache. Stopping the clock at 11.09 he was well ahead of his competitors, taking out the race by 0.24.

In a demonstration of pure grit, Sullohern ran a 30 second personal best of 31:50.75. Racing aggressively, she fought the African contingent to the line, showing her ability to perform at a completely new level.

“It was absolutely thrilling. I’m really stoked with it. I gave it my all and I had a ball,” Sullohern said.

“I wanted to do it in the last lap. I didn’t quite have it but it was so exciting.”

Fellow Australian Madeline Hills ran 32:01.04 for eighth place. Commonwealth Games veteran Eloise Wellings finished 16th in 32:52.47, with the Gold Coast marking her fourth Games.

The same Australian trio will line up on Saturday night in the 5000 metres.

In a display of true camaraderie, the three Australians embodied the spirit of the host nation as they remained on track to applaud all participants.

“That’s the strength of Australian distance running at the moment. We’re there for each other so it was lovely to stand out there with those girls and show a bit of Aussie sportsmanship,” Sullohern said.

In the women’s 1500m, Griffith executed her heat perfectly, sitting patiently before storming home in heat one in a personal best time of 4:06.41.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with that. It couldn’t have gone any better, so I’m really pleased. I’ll recover, get ready for tomorrow, and hopefully it’ll be an exciting final,” Griffith said.

Next up was Hall. With the first heat run much faster than what she was anticipating, the nerves kicked in. She devised a gameplan to ensure she ran quick enough to progress to the final.

“I had a plan of keeping an eye on the time till halfway, and if it was slower than a certain time, which it was, that was my cue to go and take control a little bit,” Hall said.

“The last 200m was incredible. It’s something we’ll never get to do again in our careers so really soaking that up.”

Two big smiles from two Commonwealth Games finalists. Georgia Griffith (4:06.41) and Linden Hall (4:08.64) cruise through their heats and earn their spot in the final ?? #GC2018

A post shared by Runner’s Tribe (@runnerstribe) on Apr 9, 2018 at 2:51am PDT

They will be joined in the final by fellow Australia Zoe buckman who faced a disruption in heat two when Kenyan Winny Chebet fell with just 50 metres remaining.

Steve Solomon finished third in his 400m semi-final, falling short of automatic qualification. Fortunately, his time of 45.55 ranked highly enough and he received the first non-automatic spot to slot into tomorrow’s final.

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