A Sprint to the Starting Line 10 days to go until the historic 100th edition of the Australian Track & Field Championships

The clock is ticking, the excitement is building and the adrenaline is flowing as the country’s top-tier talent approach the starting line of an historic edition of the Australian Track and Field Championships.  In 10 days’ time, Queensland Sport & Athletics Centre will play host to the 100th edition of the national event.

The Australian Track and Field Championships are the pinnacle event in Australian athletics, and this year, the championships will determine the country’s best athletes in more than 300 events. 

Acting as the selection trial for both the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest and the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris, the Championships are set to attract the nation’s top talent on their quest for world glory as they lay down a season of work.

While the Senior and U20 Championships will take place over four days from 30 March – 2 April, the Australian Junior (U13 – U18) Athletics Championships will take place just weeks later from the 13-16 April and will see the country’s burgeoning talent put their hard work into practice, with many junior athletes vying for selection to their first Australian team with the Commonwealth Youth Games just around the corner.

In celebration of the 100th edition of the Championships, Athletics Australia will release commemorative medals for all place getters in the Open age-group at the national championships featuring a specially designed logo. Coaches of gold medalists and all technical officials will receive a limited edition 100th edition championship commemorative pin.

For fans, there will be plenty on offer, with the Chemist Warehouse Activation Zone, food trucks, autograph stations and special edition merchandise available to purchase. 

Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley said he is thrilled to see a season full of excitement and top results culminate in the milestone event in Brisbane.

“We have been spoiled this Summer season, with Australian records, world championships qualifications as well as packed stadiums to match. It makes this edition of the Australian Track and Field Championships even more exciting and an event not to be missed,” Bromley said.

“Over the next nine years, Brisbane is only going to become more significant for Australian sport ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we see this year’s national championships as the beginning of something special for our sport.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to come down to the stadium and join the excitement at QSAC. The Championships promises to be a fantastic celebration of the rich history and bright future of athletics in Australia.”

Minister for Tourism and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe says the 2023 Australian Track and Field Championships will bring pre-Olympic excitement and an economic boost to the Brisbane region. 
 
“The Australian Track and Field Championships is an important event on the runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
 
“This year’s event is expected to attract 12,000 spectators and inject around $4 million dollars into visitor economy, supporting good local jobs.

“We know many of these visitors will extend their stay to further discover our state’s many world-class tourism experiences, supporting accommodation providers, tourism operators and local businesses, while enjoying Queensland’s great lifestyle.” 

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane was honoured to host the 100th edition of the iconic Australian event.

“Regarded as the pinnacle event for athletics in Australia, The Australian Track and Field Championships welcome some of the best athletes from across the region to our great city,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Spectators can witness the athleticism and sporting prowess of more than 3,000 athletes from across the Oceania area to Brisbane, with family and friends also here to explore everything our vibrant city has to offer.

“Later in April, Brisbane will also host the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships, which will unearth the next generation of talent in the sport.

“As the host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we look forward to following the journey of our future Olympic and Paralympic athletes.”

For more information on the 100th edition of the Australian Open and Under 20 Track and Field Championships including schedules, results and tickets, CLICK HERE.

For details about the Australian Junior (Under 13 – Under 18) Track and Field Championships, CLICK HERE.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 20/3/2022