NATIONALS DAY 4 SUM UP

​The Tigers came, they saw, they conquered, or something along those lines. Day 4 of Nationals was an action packed day, with so many Tigers competing that the track became a blur of orange, yellow and white, dazzling the onlookers (even disorienting them at points I hear). I was just minding my own business on the Northside of Queensland, when I heard an almighty, conjoined roar of Tigers. Amazing that their presence is being heard projected all across Australia. Inspiring to say the least. 

Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre: The Scene of all this excitement.

First off, the sensational Aliyah Johnson, in the Open Girl's Triple Jump prelims, launched herself a whopping  distance of 13.15m across the sand pit. This placed her second overall in these prelims, with an instant qualification to the finals. The sand would do well to fear miss Johnson as it can be seen she takes no prisoners and does not hold back. Huzzah!

Simone Berndt in the U17 Women's Triple Jump jumped 11.75, in a graceful and powerfully coordinated display to place 4th. Yehaww

​Additionally,  Ella Grammar in the U18 Women's Triple Jump was able to jump a total of 11.54m to place 8th in the nation. How do these ladies perform such aerodynamic super human feats? Your guess is as good as mine, but's It's impressive, that much is for sure. Awesome work this season ladies and can't wait to see what distances you crack in the future. 

Simone left and Ella, right, contemplating how good sand is.

We also had many exciting sprint races today. In the U17 Women's 100m, Elysse McNiven ran with unrelenting vigour, and a determination so admirable, the Gods themselves took notice. Elysee ran a brilliant time of 12.56 in prelims, and then 12.48 during the final, placing 7th. It is rumoured her coach Travis Venema cried tears of joy in response to this news. What a race Elysee, and we can't wait to see you in your next run. 

"Look at me now coach!" - Elysee 2019, middle of picture, dipping hard.

Travis Isles and Sam Mcarthur competed in the U20 Men's 200m prelims against a furious head wind. Travis ran a time of 22.47, qualifying for finals where he ran a breathtaking 22.35, placing 7th. Excuse me while I wipe the perspiration from my brow. Meanwhile, Sam ran a time of 23.08 seconds. Both these Tigers have represented the club to an exceptional standard, and I predict, in the future marble statues will be carved in their likeness for the world to see. To Sam, I raise my glass to your many great performances this season, and to Travis, good luck in the finals! 

Sam being a poser to the end.

Ashley Wong? What can I say? He has performed time and time again. The mere mention of his name, now sends shockwaves around the globe. It has been said that lightning doesn't strike the same place twice. In this situation they were "Wong." Dead "Wong." Ash pounded down his lane in the U16 boys 200m, pieces of the track, and an occasional loose spike, flying towards the crowd from the force being exerted. Ash ran a time of of 22.56 in prelims, and then 22.17 in the final, obtaining the silver medal. Ash, you are an exceptional talent and you are only going to get better and better. Bravo for so many medals!

Ash smiling/sniggering, knowing Coach surely has to compliment him this time.

In the U17 boys 400m prelims, Dalton Collins became one with the track. This young man has been training hard all season, and was able to run a fantastic time of 51.50, in what was an extremely tight race. Hats off to Dalton ladies and gentlemen, for surviving yet another 400m lactic trip. To many more to come in the future! 

Additionally, Vicky Clark competed in the Open Women's Heptathlon today, absolutely killing it, and is currently half way through this marvellous exhibit of multi-skilled athletic greatness. Vicky competed in the 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, and 200m events. Yes, our sponsors have agreed: that is a lot of events. 

If I was that Shot Put Ball I would be feeling scared of Vicky right now

​In the Open Men's Decathlon the famous Marty Clark exploded onto the track, to the consternation of his rivals, and the adoration of his cheer squad in the grandstand. Marty was clearly here to party, as evidence by his results, participating in long jump, high jump, 100m and shot put events. Bravo Marty who is halfway through the Decathlon. 

Marty, checking for a pulse, after so many events.

​To compete in so many events in such a short span of time warrants the praises of Vicky and Marty to be screamed from the highest mountain top. While certainly not the highest mountain, I may venture to Mount Tamborine to do just that tomorrow. 

Does Mount Tamborine have a high enough precipice?

Additional mention should be made to Landon Courtney who participated in the U17 Men's Long Jump. Landon was able to jump a total distance of 6.23m to claim 14th spot. Congratulations for embodying the indomitable spirit of the QUT Tigers and competing valiantly at such a high level.

Summing up, Day 4 was huge, as you can probably tell. We're more than halfway through Nationals and it's been so exciting seeing the progression of our athletes. Get keen for tomorrow when Alex Hartman and Quadzlila let loose on the track.

Been a pleasure as always. 

Yours truly,
​Daniel Jebb