Marschall and Parnova Selected for World Championships

Kurtis Marschall and Liz Parnova have both earned selection for the 2019 IAAF Athletics World Championships in Doha after Athletics Australia today listed an initial 20-strong squad.

The WA based pole vaulters had both surpassed the automatic qualification standard during the domestic season and will now look forward to competing for the Australian Flame at this year’s championships starting in late September.

The duo joins other high profile talents such as world champion hurdler Sally Pearson, Commonwealth Games high jump champion Brandon Starc and discus legend Dani Stevens in receiving early selection.

Kurtis Marschall has surpassed the men’s qualifying height of 5.71m numerous times over the past six months, with his most recent qualifier coming via a new personal best jump of 5.87m at an indoor meet in France last February.

Parnova has hit career best form in the early part of 2019, putting behind her the frustrations of an injury interrupted 18 months back from a serious leg injury to earn selection following an automatic qualifying jump of 4.56m in Perth back in January.

Having the spent the domestic season off short approach, Parnova said her goals would sharpen ahead of the international season.

“My goal for Doha is to make the final and to be a contender and as you know, when you’re in the final, anything can happen,” she said.

She spoke candidly about the path back to form and fitness via a WAIS feature, which you read here.

Further athletes will be selected for the Australian Flame team later in the year, with the Oceania Championships in Townsville the next major meet for WA’s elite track and field stars in June.

Many of Australia’s top level athletes will also seek qualifying marks in overseas competition, with the 2019 Diamond League commencing this weekend in Doha in the same venue that will host this year’s World Championships.