The Summer Series on 7 February marked an important checkpoint for several FAST athletes — not just for times on the clock, but for resilience, courage, and stepping into new territory.
Lewin – A Composed Return
For Lewin Ainsworth, this was his first competition since All Schools following a small twinge that required patience and discipline.
There’s something significant about returning to the blocks after injury. It’s not about PBs. It’s about trust — in your body and in your preparation.
- 100m: 12.31
- 200m: 25.24
Both runs were controlled and composed. No hesitation. No visible guarding. Just rhythm and confidence rebuilding in real time. That’s a win.
Lewin is building toward bigger goals this season, and this meet was about laying bricks — not chasing fireworks.
Chris – Doubling Up, Doing It Properly
Chris Valzano stepped into the Summer Series with a strong 400m/800m double, which is no small ask — especially early season (and after training in the morning up GG’s Hill). It’s the kind of racing that builds real fitness and mental toughness when it’s executed with intent.
- 400m: 58.13
- 800m: 2:13.75
The 400m set the tone: committed and competitive. Backing that up with an 800m shows range and grit — and it gives us a useful marker for where his aerobic/strength base is sitting right now.
For FAST, this is exactly what Summer Series meets are for: pressure-free racing, smart exposure, and building the engine that shows up later when medals are on the line.
Blake – Season Opener
For Blake Smith, this was his first outing of the season.
- 100m: 15.38
- 200m: 32.73
- 400m: 1:19.49
Early-season racing is about exposure. Learning how to handle the nerves again. Feeling what race pace actually is. Blake stepped up across three events — and that tells you something about intent. We value that.
Now the focus shifts to tightening mechanics, improving rhythm off the bend, and building speed endurance progressively.
Sam – First 200m Hurdles
One of the highlights of the night was Sam Ainsworth’s first 200m hurdles.
Trying something new takes courage. Hurdles magnify everything — rhythm, timing, confidence between barriers.
- 200m: 28.90
- 200m Hurdles (76.2cm): 33.10 – 1st place
A first attempt and a win. More importantly, a controlled and competitive run. The 200mH is a rhythm event, and Sam handled it well for a debut.
This gives us valuable data moving forward.
Masters Excellence
A special mention to David O’Keeffe, who continues to represent the Masters community with pride:
- 300m Hurdles (M60–64): 55.37 – 1st place
Longevity matters at FAST. Excellence doesn’t belong to one age group.
The Bigger Picture
The Summer Series isn’t the peak of the season.
It’s the testing ground.
- Return from injury
- Season opener
- New event debut
- Competitive exposure
At FAST Running, we measure success by progress and courage just as much as podiums.
State Championships are on the horizon. We build, we refine, and we stay patient.
Running excellence is never rushed.
Event 1011 Mixed 100 Metre Sprint AACT Pool 1
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Name Year Team Finals Points
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10 Ainsworth, Lewin 11 Gungahlin Aths-AUS 12.31
7 Smith, Blake Murray 16 Corroboree Athle-AU 15.38
Event 1013 Mixed 200 Metre Sprint AACT Pool 1
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Name Year Team Finals Points
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5 Ainsworth, Lewin 11 Gungahlin Aths-AUS 25.24
6 Ainsworth, Sam 13 Gungahlin Aths-AUS 28.90
7 Smith, Blake Murray 16 Corroboree Athle-AU 32.73
Event 1015 Mixed 400 Metre Sprint AACT Pool 1
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Name Year Team Finals Points
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4 Valzano, Chris 05 Woden Athletics-AUS 58.13
6 Smith, Blake Murray 16 Corroboree Athle-AU 1:19.49
Event 1012 Mixed 800 Metre Run AACT Pool 1
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Name Year Team Finals Points
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5 Valzano, Chris 05 Woden Athletics-AUS 2:13.75
Event 1001 Mixed 200 Metre Hurdles 76.2cm AA Spec 3
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Name Year Team Finals
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1 Ainsworth, Sam 13 Gungahlin Aths-AUS 33.10
Event 1003 Men 60-64 300 Metre Hurdles 76.2/7/50/35 Masters D3
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Name Year Team Finals
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Finals
1 O'Keeffe, David 64 Act Masters Athl-AU 55.37
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