The Australian University Games, now renamed Nationals Division 1 has arrived, sneaking up on us, like a Tiger slowly advancing on it's prey in the wild. First and foremost, it is a pleasure to be reporting once again ladies and gentlemen. We've had some great feedback on our newly revamped news section. The rollercoaster of emotions didn't end at nationals and is set to continue across four nail biting, hair raising, adrenaline inducing days. If any of you are considering skydiving in the future for the thrill it provides, save your money, because the results about to be reported are apt to make your heart beat out of your chest. Now, onto Day 1!
Everyone stay calm. Day 1 of Uni Nationals is here.
Two of our athletes competed in the Open's Men Pole Vault today. Firstly Tristan Vincent, rocked the stadium, and delighted the crowd, when he launched himself a tremendous height of 4.80m into the air to win the gold medal. Even the clearing bar was shocked, remarking, "I just can't believe it. The Big T got over me like I was nothing. Nothing!" Onlookers were quite surprised at the fact a stationary object spoke but Tristan just took it in his stride. It appeared that many laws of nature were being broken today. Congratulations Tristan for becoming a National Champion and defying nature.
Tristan should join the Avengers for the super human strength and agility he exhibits.
We also had the brilliant William Glass compete in the Pole Vault, soaring a heigh of 3.80m to come fourth. Mr Glass has a lot of talent, and I can assure you that he is made of anything but glass, as demonstrated by his results. He gauged the height of this talking bar, made the run, and furiously launched himself into the air and over it in a death defying, heroic stunt to the delight of the ladies. The bar was heard screaming in rage that Will was able to clear such a distance. Bravo Mr Glass on a fantastic performance.
That face you make before you clear a bar. Congrats Will!
The Open Men's 100m and 200m sprints brought considerable excitement to the track. We had two athletes compete.
Firstly Jamie Pannan, nicknamed the "Beast" by Chris Wilson, for his classic track performances, was seen powering down the track in his two races. Jamie is a man of the most precise calculation, capable of perfectly adapting himself to every part of the race. Tonight this was no exception, exhibiting beautiful form, an explosive start and a look of stoic determinism, as he barrelled towards the end of his lane. Jamie ran a time of 11.79 in the 100m and 23.79 in 200. Props to Jamie who still participated despite injuring himself very close to this championship. This is a man who cannot be bargained or reasoned with where his dreams are concerned. Congratulations on many solid performances this season Jamie. We all look forward to seeing you in action during later races this year.
Jamie meet the track. The track, meet Jamie.
Nicholas Bealle also ran in the 100m and 200m, releasing the pent up stress of ambiguously worded test questions, and terrifying assignment formatting requirements into sheer human flight. This flight was so fully fledged, that the Wright Brothers would have had to stop and gasp for air, in awe of what they'd seen. Nicholas ran a time of 11.32 in the 100m and 23.07 in the 200m. Congratulations Nicholas for your contributions to aviation. Now let's set our eyes on space, but before that, focus on semis for both these events you have qualified for. Congratulations.
Nicholas streaking down the track. What a stride!
The Opens Women's 100m and 200m preliminaries also sourced considerable talent from the famous city of Brisbane, delivering two Tigers hungry for glory, and self actualisation into the electric atmosphere of Sydney. Sophie Winter, with a swagger in her step, and her eyes alight with inspiration, knew the time had come for action. Sophie ran with the highest caliber of conviction, letting the world know that "winter had finally arrived," with a time of 13.03 in the 100m, and 26.59 in the 200m. I made that tag line, and it definitely does not come from a famous HBO show called Game of Thonres. Congratulations for a great effort this season Sophie. Everyone is very excited to see you killing it later in the year.
Sophie caught soaring in her race,
Lily Richter also participated in the 100m and 200m. Lily put in a solid effort for her race, attacking the bend before streaking down the straight. If the track could be interviewed, I am sure it would say that it was enamoured by Lily's presence. Lily ran a time of 13.60 in the 100m and 28.38 in the 200m. Congratulations in participating at such a high standard of competition Lily. This is just the beginning of your legacy.
Sophie and Lily showing us that track field isn't just blood, sweat, and tears.
In the Open Women's 10, 000 metres, Kate Watson ran lap after lap. For those who are unaware, that is 25 laps of a standard 400 metre track. Yes, that is a lot of running. Anyone who performs this event should be immediately saluted for the extreme mental and physical fortitude they possess, and trust me, I did just that when I saw her results. Kate's training has truly payed off, with her tremendous Tiger spirit emboldening her to run a time of 38:57.01, to win the Bronze medal. Bravo Kate. You absolute legend. A medallion suits you.
Kate becoming very familiar with the Sydney Track.
