Runners set new records

By Andrew Stackpool

Competitors in the women’s 400m break records at the ADF track and field championships.

AN AIR Force corporal displayed plenty of ticker when he broke two records at the recent ADF track and field championships.

Corporal Gary Ewart, from RAAF Base Richmond, blitzed the veterans’ 400m and 800m by setting new benchmarks at 53.89 seconds and 2.04 minutes respectively.

His efforts were two of nine records broken during three days of intense competition by a small but dedicated contingent of Defence athletes.

The championships were held from January 28-30 at Geelong in Victoria in conjunction with the Victorian Country championships.

In the women’s, events Captain Dee-Anne Jackson broke the ADF championship record for the 100m, 200m and 400m with times of 12.73 seconds, 25.69 seconds and 58.83 seconds respectively.

Captain Jo-Anne Hem broke the ADF championship record in the 3000m with a time of 11.50 minutes.

Meanwhile, the men were not to be outshone. Sub Lieutenant Rowan Walker set a new ADF record in the 5000m with a scorching 14.59 minutes while Sergeant Rob Combe slashed 42 seconds off the men’s veteran 3000m steeplechase with a time of 10.43 minutes.

The short-haul vets weren’t to be left in the bleachers either when Chief Petty Officer Andrew Hart thundered home in the men’s veteran 200m in a new record time of 25.87 secs. There were other notable performances.

Corporal Amy Hall entered nine events and took gold in the javelin, shot putt and discus, as well as placing in several others, while Captain Anne Bortolussi entered six events and took gold in the women’s open 800m, 1500m and 3000m.

Defence civilian Eugene Suchcicki entered five events in the master’s age group taking gold in four and Captain Rory Hale took out the men’s open 100m in 11.82 seconds and long jump double with 5.61 meters.

The carnival was a great catalyst for the development of the Defence Athletics Club and members wishing to gain more information regarding running and athletics in Defence should visit www.coolrunning.com.au/adf.

A full list of championship results will be posted to the web site.

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