White/Nixon family – an Olympic volunteering dynasty

Since the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, a member of the White/Nixon family have officiated at every international Games or Championships, athletics or multi-sport, ever held on Australia soil. It peaked at the Sydney 2000 when six members of the clan volunteering for the Games.

New Directors Appointed at 2019/20 AGM

On Wednesday, September 2, the 2019/20 Athletics NSW (ANSW) Annual General Meeting was held, with two new Directors elected and one Director, Nick Bromley, re-elected to serve another term on the ANSW Board. Newly elected Director, John McFadden has been involved in the administration of athletics and rugby on a volunteer basis since 2003, including his ongoing role as President at Ku-ring-gai Little Athletics, which he commenced in 2006.

Sutherland’s Ollie Hoare on top of the World and on track for Tokyo

While the World has been far from normal in 2020, for American-based Sutherland Shire distance runner Ollie Hoare, there has been also lots of change including the cancellation of the NCAAs the day prior to the event, transition to a new coach, a new squad and new home, graduating from university and now out of the secure structure of university. But all of these challengers have not affected Ollie Hoare’s form on the track – a mile world lead and under the Tokyo Olympic 1500m standard recently.

Coach Interview: Ben Liddy

Who is the coach behind the incredible progression last season by steeplechaser Georgia Winkcup? That was Ben Liddy who is just five years into an already successful coaching career. In this interview, Liddy speaks about how he moved into coaching to help a training partner and what motivates him to spend dozens of hours each week preparing programs and at the track with his athletes.

1996 World Junior Championships remembered

Six days of competition, 143 countries, 1080 athletes, 295 media and 40,216 spectators. They were impressive numbers for the 1996 World Junior Championships held at Homebush 24-years-ago this week. It was easily the largest World Athletics competition to be held in Australia. We remember the many NSW officials, volunteers, administrators and athletes who were involved.

Jessica Hull selected for Olympic debut

The Australian Olympic Committee today announced the selection of five Australian athletes for the Tokyo Olympics, including NSW 23-year-old Jessica Hull (BAN). She had earned automatic nomination to the team courtesy of her win in the 2020 Australian 5000m Championship and selection trial in February. She had also achieved the required standard for nomination.

20 years ago this week the Olympic Stadium hosted the Australian Olympic trials and NSW All Schools

This week, 20-years-ago, Australia’s leading athletes were just five weeks away from a home Olympics where they would compete in-front of a patriotic home crowd in a stadium which seated 110,000. But they had one final hurdle the trials on the Olympic Stadium. Present to enjoy the occasion was the next generation of NSW athletes who were given an inspiring opportunity of a lifetime when the NSW All Schools Championships were held in-conjunction with the four-day Olympic trials.

Jessica Hull breaks Australian 5000m record

Competing in the Monaco Diamond league this morning, the first major outdoor meet in the delayed season due to COVID-19, Jessica Hull (BAN) smashed the 18-year-old Australian 5000m record clocking 14:43.80.

NSW race walking resumes competition

Following in the footsteps of the runners last weekend, NSW’s race walkers resumed competition in Sydney yesterday as the NSW Long Walks Championships held at Gough Whitlam Park in Earlwood.

NSW Short Course Cross Country – Junior events race reviews

With no schools and little athletics cross country events in 2020, the NSW Short Course Cross Country Championships on Sunday at West Dapto was a popular event amongst the juniors. There was a strong theme from the athletes, they were very excited to be back racing as they had found motivation a challenge with no competitions to prepare form.

COACH PROFILE: Steve Whelan

The athletics club coach is a rare factor in track and field. They are key to drawing into the sport a close group that train and compete together. Steve Whelan, at the Hills Athletics Club, is a fine example of this with a squad of about 100 athletes.

PREVIEW: NSW Short Course XC U20 Events

The under-20 races have attracted NSW’s two 2018 Youth Olympic Games representatives Luke Young and Jaylah Hancock-Cameron and they will start favourites in their races at the NSW Short Course Cross Country Championships this Sunday at West Dapto.

PREVIEW: Open Women NSW Short Course XC Event

The line-up for the open women’s 5km event at the NSW Short Course Cross Country in West Dapto this Sunday has the best depth for years with five athletes that have competed at the World Cross Country Championships starting in the 5km event.