WAIS Hurdler Selected in Australian U21 Squad

Emerging WAIS hurdler Jared Bezuidenhout has been selected by Athletics Australia to compete in an U21 competition in New Zealand.

The 19 year-old Warnbro resident will compete in the 110m hurdles event in New Zealand next February, with the event good preparation for Nationals – which will be held in Perth the following April.

The U21 series against New Zealand was set up to form a stronger pathway for junior athletes breaking into senior ranks, with international competition and the chance to wear green and gold seen as a positive.

WAIS track athletics coach Lyn Foreman said that the opportunity to compete in Auckland represented good experience for Bezuidenhout and will aid his future development.

“It’s could potentially be a few years before he breaks into senior teams, so moving out of juniors, this is an important bridging opportunity,” Foreman said.

“Other than competing against older, stronger and faster athletes he will also have to get used to the hurdles being higher as he moves age categories.”

The Australian U21 squad will meet the New Zealand U21’s in a one off Test on Saturday February 20, 2010.