WAIS Starlet Wins U19 Keirin Title

Published On: 30 January 2015

Tahlay Christie won the U19 women's keirin title in Melbourne

Western Australian Institute of Sport rising track star Tahlay Christie has won a maiden U19 national track title after taking gold in the women’s keirin on night two of the Championships in Melbourne.

Christie produced a powerful burst to claim victory after the motor pacer left the track, and the field to battle it out over two laps. The West Australian had the speed, and took line honours ahead of Queensland’s Brooke Tucker and Bridget Mullany (NSW).

The win followed an earlier silver medal in the 500m time trial for Christie, who made ripples at last year’s U17 championships when smashing a long standing national record held by Australian track great, Kerrie Meares.

Still only 16 years of age, Christie admitted post race that the podium finish was a huge achievement.

“It feels really good, I can’t believe it. It was always a goal of mine to get on the podium, and just winning it was phenomenal,” said Christie, who won four gold with two Australian records at last year’s U17 championships.

“It felt really daunting going up into a higher level and I fell like I’ve handled it pretty well.”

The Track Championships continue through til Saturday from the Darebin International Sports Centre.