2021 Australian Track & Field Championships

The Australian Para and Open Athletics Track & Field Championships were held in Sydney from 12 – 19 March 2021.

James Nipperess (Team Telford) has been working with FAST on improving his technique over the Steeplechase Hurdle since the beginning of the year. These Championships were James’ first opportunity to assess progress. James’ personal best for the 3000m Steeplechase before the Championships was 8:32.59, set on 20 May 2016 in Los Angeles. In Sydney, James won the event and set a new PB (8:30.13) in winning the Gold Medal.

Siena competed in her first National Championships, qualifying for both the 100m and the 200m. Siena ran well and finished in the top 20 in both events.

Nate Halpin won two medals, a silver in the 200m and a bronze in the Discus. A really solid all round performance. Nate’s 200m time of 24.26s is a new T01 Australian Athletics Para Record, beating the previous record if 24.68s.

Conor had an unusual experience before the 100m heats, where his spike length was too long. Whilst he was allowed to compete, the Officials filed down his spikes in the call room, which impacted him unfortunately.

• James Nipperess: Open 3000m Steeplechase (1st) 8:30.13
• Siena Towndrow: U14 100m (20th) 13.50s, 200m (20th) 27.96s
• Nathaniel Halpin: U20 100m (5th) 12.21s (-2.2w), 200m (2nd) 24.26s, Long Jump (4th) 5.31m, Shot Put (4th) 8.35m, Discus (3rd) 26.51m
• Conor Pratt: U18 100m (23rd) 12.45s