NATIONALS DAY 6 SUM UP

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As I write this post I can barely contain my excitement as we have been privy once again to exceptional talent on the track. Let's get started on the penultimate day for the Australian Athletics Championships. 

Trae Williams hoping he hasn't stocked up on too much peanut butter.

Firstly we had the famous 100m Opens final event where our boys  grit their teeth so hard, that it makes you wonder why track and field doesn't have a mouth guard.

Trae Williams activated the supreme might of his quads, sending an audible explosion across the stadium as he took off. When you squat 600kg, such showmanship is to be expected. Trae ultimately came fourth, running a time of 10.29 seconds in semis, and 10.35 seconds in the finals. Absolutely sensational Trae. The peanut butter manufacturers in Australia better sponsor you. 

Meanwhile Alex Hartmann, an individual that needs no introduction, an athlete who should be bowed before, ran a scorching time of 10.46 in both semis and the same time in the final. Talk about being a consistent dazzler and a Hollywood heart throb. Further mention should be made to the reserved and sophisticated man we all know and love: Justin Cavanagh who came 12th in semi's with a time of 10.55. All I can say is these times are incredible boys, and I look forward to seeing you all at upcoming meets, with a smirk on my face and a swagger in my step. 

One of the most exhilarating performances tonight was in the Open Women's 100m. I talked about Naa Anang last night and her ability to perform any task, including putting together her incredible hair. It seems she can not only perform any task, but do so at a breathtaking, heart stopping level. Naa was unstoppable in her event, running a time of 11.45seconds in semis, and then 11.32 seconds in the final to win the gold medal. Naa is an absolute champion and if I had it my way, her legacy will be immortalised for decades to come. In fact, I need to make a few calls today. All I have to say is good grief and what a show Naa!

Always remember to smile when finishing your 100m final race. #1 rule for the track.

In the U18 4X100m relay Elysee Mcniven put on a show once again. Elysee ran the second leg, the spirit of the QUT Tigers completely possessing her as she received the baton, and travelled with furious intent, barreling towards the third leg runner. The QLD team ultimately came third with a time of 46.90 seconds. This relay was absolutely nail biting as the times were all so close with the first and second teams running 46.40 and 46.83 respectively.

​Additionally, Elysee ran in the U17 Women's 200m, clocking a solid time of 25.69 seconds. Once again it is said her coach Travis Venema had a few tears of joy release from his eye ducts today. Nothing to be ashamed of coach! I'm crying at how awesome Elysee is too. Can't wait to see how you perform next year Elysee. Bravo! 

Elysee Mcniven knowing full well this Is just the beginning.

In the Open Men's Triple Jump we were privy to a performance  that can only be described as absolutely intoxicating. It set the hearts of the grandstand audience alight. Shemaiah James took to the Triple Jump to the absolute delight of his many fans! Hands were sore from clapping, let me tell you. Shemaiah is another individual who has amazing hair, which somehow perfectly stays in place, regardless of how much force he exerts. Shemaiah jumped a gargantuan distance of 15.44m to come fourth in the Triple Jump Final. Shemaiah you are unstoppable, and congratulations on your placing. 

"I believe I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky." What a powerhouse!

Furthermore, we also had  Aliyah Johnson participate in the Women's Open Triple Jump Final. Aliyah knew that the day of reckoning had arrived, and that it was time to show the world the true mettle and heart of a Tiger in unfamiliar country (maybe Sydney is not that unfamiliar). Aliyah channeled her last vestiges of power into a jump so powerful, that I'm surprised a crack in time did not immediately form.  Aliyah jumped a truly impressive distance of 13.19m to win the silver medal. Aliyah, you truly deserve that medallion and congratulations on a heck of a performance. Onwards to the future. 

Aliyah should consider become a pilot because she is great at flying through the air.

In the Men's Open High Jump our star Lachlan Caldwell defied the laws of physics and nature with his supreme jumps. It's almost as if this man has rocket boosters attached to him, propelling him over the bar. That isn't the case his coach has confirmed, as this man is all natural. Lachie jumped a brilliant 2.10m to come 9th overall in the High Jump. The bar thought it could take Lachie out of the game but it was dead wrong. Congratulations on such a great performance Lachie!

Lachie performing his most important role: Waving at the crowd.

Further mention should be made to Landon Courtney who performed in the Men's U17 Triple Jump. You've had some great performances this season Landon and this "track" record is set to continue. Bravo. 

That's it for today ladies and gentlemen in this penultimate session of Nationals. What a time we've had witnessing history unfold. Tomorrow is the last day and everything is set to go off with a bang. Quads will be flexed, courtesy of Trae, and hearts will broken, courtesy of Alex Hartmann. 

Thanks for reading. Been an absolute pleasure

​Yours truly, 

Daniel Jebb