Bowen Athletics Carnival
The annual Bowen track and field carnival attracts athletes and their supporters from all over the north. This weekend was no exception, with participants travelling from as far away as Moranbah, Charters Towers and Ravenshoe. The Whitsunday team turned up ready to run, jump and throw to the best of their abilities and the results at times were spectacular.
For many of the Whitsunday athletes, it was their first big event and it did not disappoint.
This year there were over 280 athletes, competing in 406 events over two days, making it a wonderful festival of athletics. Our younger athletes lead the charge showing great delight in being part of something so big. Each received a participation medal and renewed enthusiasm for the sport.
Roary Bentley and Cohen Dittmann continued their great start to the year, dominating their ages both on the track and off. Cohen went in eight events and received eight gold medals and I am sure breaking several meet records. Proving that it is not just about medals, Lily Sainsbury, 9, stated that her favourite moment was “catching up with friends from other clubs and trying my best”. She had several personal bests, including in the Shot Put where she came away with the Bronze.
One of the track highlights on Sunday morning was watching Bree Giller battle through in 1500m, finishing 3rd behind two girls an age group above her. It was a demonstration of great spirit that saw her battling right through to the line in very windy conditions. While those conditions made for some slower times in the sprints, it also contributed to those same races becoming very tight affairs in a number of age groups.
Tristan Sainsbury battled hard to finish 3rd in the 800m and narrowly missed out on medals in the 100 and 200. Noah Simpson pushed through for silver in the 100 and 200, adding to a collection of field placings. Cooper Lane, Sahra Donnelly and Jack Handley also came away with a number of medals after putting in magnificent efforts.
For the Whitsunday team in the field events, it would be hard to go past Howard McDonald's final throw in the Javelin. The conditions were incredibly blustery across the sector, but Howard was there to show us all what he was capable of. After several solid throws had already broken the carnival record, his final was an almighty effort, flying over 49m. It was a sight to behold and leaves us looking forward to seeing the javelin fly past the 50m in the near future.
Though only duelling with a small number of competitors, Jaymee Milton and Zayiesha Morsch-Ivey lead the teen contingent from the front. These two have become great ambassadors for the club, showing spirit and determination wherever they go. They collected a swag of medals and displayed what it means to be team mates, particularly after Jaymee fell at the end of the 100m, due to injury. Zayiesha was quickly by her side, despite being exhausted from her own race, aiding and carrying her from the track.
Finally, we had a number of masters compete just for the love of competing and pushing their limits. Jackie Avery exemplified this attitude, discovering muscles she was not aware even existed clamouring for her attention by the end of the two days. Her efforts were remarked upon by many as something to be respected and admired.
Normal training and club days resume this week, with our next big event the Mackay Track and Field in July. As always new members are always welcome. This story was also featured by the Whitsunday Times.
