IMPRESSIVE EFFORT: Ipswich athlete Larissa Chambers enjoys a successful weekend, making two open finals at the Adelaide Track Classic.
INTERNATIONAL performer Larissa Chambers and regional “iron lady” Rochelle Vidler are in the spotlight as an Ipswich and District Athletic Club contingent prepares for another major competition.
Eighteen club athletes are entered in 38 events for the rescheduled Queensland Junior Championships starting on Thursday night in Brisbane.
Club president Vic Pascoe is impressed with the lead-up form of a number of athletes, including rising teenager Vidler.
“Rochelle is a little iron lady,” Pascoe said.
She is competing in the most events of any Ipswich club athlete this weekend ― the under 20 and under 15 hammer, under-17 and under 15 discus, and under-15 shot put and 100m.
“I reckon she’s got to be a big chance of winning state titles, especially the hammer and discus,” Pascoe said.
Other IDAC competitors lining up this weekend are Casey Bell, Clare Sullivan, Indura Rakuita, Kirra Csurhes, Tyla Stolberg, Juanita Chambers, Miriam Peni, Aeysha Granzien, Emily Beston, Tori Langton, Ryan Stewart, Yoo Bin Miller, Rhys Carr, Jack Treschman, Benjamin Peters, Franco Olak and Daniel Parnell.
“To gain a place into the final eight would be marvellous achievement for all of our athletes and I believe this possible for the majority. They are a wonderful group of youngsters,” Pascoe said.
Assisting Pascoe preparing the athletes are respected coaches Marty Stolberg, Mick Moore, Brad Robinson, Ted Ruben and Andrew Wheeler.
Many of the Ipswich club athletes will be competing in Sydney next month in the Australian Junior Track & Field Championships.
The team heads to Brisbane this weekend after a senior club athlete’s impressive performance at the Adelaide Track Classic.
Last year’s Junior World Championships sprinter Chambers recorded two encouraging runs in open ranks last weekend.
Chambers won the 100m B final in 12.01 seconds, also coming fifth in the 200m A final (24.94s).
It was Chambers’ first time contesting the Adelaide Track Classic.
“It actually surprised her to get into that race (100m) and for her to run better than what she did at world championships,” Pascoe said.
“It was excellent to see. She’s got her mojo back.
“It was a good hit-out for the upcoming state open championships (March 5-8).”
State title hopes
Ipswich and District Athletic Club competitors contesting this weekend’s Queensland Junior Championships (events in brackets):
Casey Bell (U/14 triple jump, high jump);
Rochelle Vidler (U20 and U15 hammer, U17 and U15 discus, U15 shot put and 100m);
Clare Sullivan (U/15 discus);
Indura Rakuita (U/16 200m, 400m);
Kirra Csurhes (U/16 90m hurdles, 200m hurdles);
Tyla Stolberg (U/16 javelin);
Juanita Chambers (U/17 100m);
Miriam Peni (U/17 100m, 200m);
Aeysha Granzien (U/17 800m, 2000m steeplechase);
Emily Beston (U/18 800m, 2000m steeplechase);
Tori Langton (U/18 discus);
Ryan Stewart (U/14 shot put, discus, 3000m walk);
Yoo Bin Miller (U/15 100m, 200m);
Rhys Carr (U/15 hammer, discus);
Jack Treschman (U/16 high jump);
Benjamin Peters (U/16 2000m steeplechase);
Franco Olak (U/18 100m, 200m, 400m);
Daniel Parnell (U/18 400m, 800m).
