Four WAIS Track and Field Athletes in World Champs Squad
An initial Australian Flame team of 24 has been announced by Athletics Australia, with team captain and reigning world champion Steve Hooker set to lead the green and gold charge at the IAAF world championships when competition commences on Saturday, August 27.
Hooker will be joined by fellow WAIS athletes Kim Mickle (javelin), Ben Offereins (400m relay) and Alana Boyd (pole vault)with four scholarship holders preparing for the Daegu, South Korea championships.
Boasting Olympic, Commonwealth, world and world indoor champions, the Australian Flame team also includes two exciting debutantes in Steven Solomon (NSW) and Caitlin Sargent (QLD), with the duo set to take to the start line in the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay respectively.
“We’re happy with the 24 quality athletes we currently have selected and look forward to the selection process continuing in the coming months,” Dion Russell, Athletics Australia Chairman of Selectors, said.
“The team is a combination of proven performers and new blood looking to grow, and with our sights firmly set on London in the long term that is a positive result.”
At the 2009 IAAF world championships in Berlin (GER), the Australian Flame won four medals and was the most successful Australian team in the then 26-year history of the championships. Hooker (pole vault) and Dani Samuels (discus throw) were crowned world champions, whilst Mitchell Watt (long jump) and the men’s 4x400m relay team (Ben Offereins, Sean Wroe, Tristan Thomas and John Steffensen) won bronze.
In 2011, similar results are expected with Eric Hollingsworth, the Athletics Australia High Performance Manager, absolute in his expectation for strong performances.
“The target, as I have always said, at these world championships is five medals,” Hollingsworth said.
“I am confident that with the team we have announced today, and those that we will add in the months to come, that this is achievable.”
Athletes looking to qualify but not yet announced are eligible for selection until July 31, 2011 (excluding marathon and walks).
13th IAAF world championships
Saturday, August 27 – Sunday, September 4 2011
Daegu, South Korea