Adelaide Awaits | Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships to prequel international triumph

As the road to the Paris 2024 Games intensifies, the 2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships in Adelaide this week emerge as a pivotal arena for the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic aspirants.

Beginning this Thursday, April 11 – Friday, April 19, the pinnacle of Australia’s domestic season will this year see more than 3,600 athletes vying for national glory, making it the ultimate showcase of talent and determination.

Athletics fans will take one of the last opportunities to witness Australia’s track and field heroes in action before they take on the world at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the World Athletics Under 20 Championships, while Australia’s next generation of talent follow in the footsteps of their elite counterparts.

Among the competitors are the stars of Australian athletics, including Australia’s fastest ever woman Torrie Lewis (Andrew Iselin) and teenage sensation Claudia Hollingsworth (Craig Mottram) who have captivated the nation with their feats this season, alongside 10.01-second man Rohan Browning (Andrew Murphy), known for his lightning-fast prowess, and Diamond League discus champion Matthew Denny (Dale Stephenson).

The women’s high jump will witness a much-anticipated showdown between Olympic reigning World Indoor champion Nicola Olyslagers (Matt Horsnell) and 2022 world champion Eleanor Patterson (Alex Stewart) competing head-to-head on home soil for the first time since 2020, while Olympic hurdlers Michelle Jenneke (Bronwyn Thompson) and Liz Clay (Sharon Hannan and David Reid) will battle it out for the 2024 title.

Pole vaulter Nina Kennedy (Paul Burgess) returns to the national circuit for the first time since her triumphant world title win at the World Championships in Budapest last year, ready to electrify the crowd with her aerial mastery alongside training partner and World Championships bronze medallist Kurtis Marschall (Paul Burgess).

Meanwhile, middle distance star Jessica Hull (Simon Hull) will aim for two more titles in the 1500m and 5000m, after claiming the 3000m crown in Sydney a fortnight ago, but will face stiff competition from a cohort of Australia’s finest athletes.

The Championships will also highlight the incredible talent within Australia’s para-athletics ranks, featuring world champion James Turner (Iryna Dvoskina) as he continues his undefeated run on home soil, while World Para Championships silver medallist Mali Lovell (Katie Edwards and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor) makes strides towards her maiden Games. Global medallist Reece Langdon goes head-to-head with hometown heroes Angus Hincksman (Simon Moran) and Michael Roeger (Philo Saunders) in the 1500m as they look to punch their tickets to Paris.

Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley encourages sports fans across Adelaide to witness history in the making.

“The Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships in Adelaide are not just another event on the calendar, they represent the culmination of a season of dedication and hard work from our athletes, coaches and officials,” Bromley said.

“As we edge closer to the pinnacle global events, this championships is a crucial milestone, offering a platform for our athletes to step into the spotlight.

“We are calling on fans from across the country to come and witness this celebration of track and field talent. Your cheers and your support can uplift our athletes to new heights, and we encourage everyone to experience the excitement and passion of the athletics community.

“Thank you once again to our supporters in Chemist Warehouse , South Australian Tourism Commission  and Athletics South Australia for their work in bringing the Championships to life. Our sport is excited to hit the ground running in Adelaide and we know our athletes will bring out the very best that our sport has to offer.”

The Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships, supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission will also showcase the best of Australian athletics against the backdrop of the city of Adelaide.

“It is wonderful to welcome thousands of the nation’s top and emerging athletes and their teams to South Australia for the 2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships,” South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said.

“Over nine action-packed days, spectators will converge on Adelaide to get a preview of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games at the largest annual athletics event in Australia and the Oceania region.

“This is another elite sporting competition on our state’s blockbuster events calendar helping cement South Australia as a destination of choice for athletes and spectators alike.”

For more information, including the event timetable, ticketing and live streaming details, click HERE.

The meet will be streamed live and free on Seven’s digital platform, 7plus, with eight hours of coverage per day of the meet.

Media who wish to cover the meet can do so, by applying HERE.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 9/4/2024