TENACIOUS Ipswich athlete Darrin Norwood concedes it’s been tough giving up alcohol and junk food since New Year’s Day.
However, the popular sportsman knows his sacrifice will be worth it in Tasmania this weekend.
Norwood, 34, heads south today for the first of two major masters competitions.
He lines up in a series of weight pentathlon and outdoor pentathlon events in Launceston tomorrow before driving to Hobart for his fourth national masters individual competition over the weekend.
Norwood is no stranger to massive programs, having won nine medals in 14 events at last year’s nationals.
He’s the Australian champion in triple jump, high jump, javelin, pole vault and outdoor pentathlon.
His decision to forgo alcohol and junk food coincides with a return to full training after knee problems last year.
“I’m feeling pretty good. I’m pretty confident this year,” the Ipswich personal trainer said.
“The last few training sessions I’ve had have all gone really well.
“I’m hoping for big things when I get down there.”
As for his no-booze and fatty foods-free edict: “I’ve been struggling,” he laughed.
“I’ve got until after nationals then I’m back.
“As soon as I made the commitment that I was going to go to nationals I thought I might as well do this properly. I stuck to it.
“Australia Day was tough.”
Heading to Tasmania, the Ipswich ironman has also been nominated by Queensland Masters Athletics for a prestigious Australian Masters Association award (for jumps) this year.
Award winners will be named in Hobart on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, 11 of Norwood’s Ipswich and District Athletic Club teammates are contesting the Queensland Open track and field championships at Nathan this weekend.
Competition starts tomorrow night with Filoi Aukosu and Cassie Purdon medal contenders in the shotput and high jump respectively.
After winning three gold medals at the recent Queensland Junior Championships, Larissa Chambers starts her latest campaign tomorrow night in the 100m heats.
Regional athletes competing in Brisbane this weekend are hoping to qualify for the Australian Open Championships in Melbourne from April 3-6.
The Ipswich club also has 22 athletes qualified for the Australian Junior Championships from March 12-16.
Top Prospects
Ipswich and District Athletic Club competitors contesting the Queensland titles this weekend:
- Filo Aukosu: Shotput, discus.
- Larissa Chambers: 100m, 200m.
- John Purdon: 100m, long jump, javelin.
- Patrick McCarthy: 100m.
- Connor O’Leary: 1500m.
- Cassie Purdon: High jump.
- Liz Melrose: 400m.
- Scott Tuohy: 400m.
- Aaliyah Chambers: 400m hurdles.
- Doug Amiss: 400m hurdles.
- Connor McNamara: 3000m steeplechase.
