Gout scores hat-trick of national titles, Joseph-Riogi launches to the history books

From a new national javelin record to drama on the track, Day Six of the Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships displayed the talent, perseverance and passion from the next wave of Australian talent.

Piling on five metres to her previous lifetime best, Tallara Joseph-Riogi (NSW) made her mark as a javelin star in the making when breaking the Australian Under 16 Javelin record, with a second-round throw of 51.69m.

The 14-year-old took out the field by almost four metres, with two of the four throws in the sequence eclipsing the former record of 51.09m.

“I was shocked at first, I didn’t realise. It hasn’t really kicked in yet, it’s a work in progress still but I’m just shocked at what I just threw. Wherever it leads I guess!” Joseph-Riogi said.

Ipswich sensation Gout Gout (QLD) won his third Australian title over six days of competition in Adelaide, taking out the Under 18 200m after earning the sprint double in the Under 20 age group earlier in the program.

Stamping his authority over the distance, the 16-year-old raced around the bend despite a stubborn headwind to clock 21.23 (-2.2), making every race count ahead of the World Athletics Under 20 Championships in Lima, Peru this August.

“It’s about getting racing in, learning my race plan and going out there to focus and execute,” Gout said. 

Completing the Queensland quinella was his training partner, Jonathan Kasiano crossing the line in 21.66 to equal his season’s best, with the friendly foes bringing the best out of each other as Gout returned to the scene of his 2022 Australian All Schools Championships breakthrough at the SA Athletics Stadium.

“I think I’ve come a really long way! Back then I was a nobody and now I have fans all around the world which is really cool. They come out here and want to watch me, so I have to put on a show no matter what the conditions or the race. Showtime,” Gout said.

Rising sprinter Thewbelle Philp (QLD) dominated the Girls Under 17 200m final, leaving national rivals in her wake when blazing her way to a time of 23.78 (-2.0), more than one second ahead of trans-Tasman competitor Kendra Scally-Tu’i (NZL, 24.82).

Continuing the Sunshine State celebrations, Amaya Mearns (QLD) scored a championship record of 24.23 in the Girls Under 18 event ahead of New South Wales rival Shari Hurdman’s 24.40.

Race walker Bailey Housden (QLD) took command of the Under 18 Boys 5000m Race Walk, clocking 20:42.75 over 12.5 laps to outclass the field including Kodi Clarkson (ACT) who was second across the line but first for the Under 17 Boys in the combined race, with a time of 21:24.99.

Canberra’s Owen Toyne (21:42.41) rounded out the top three competitors, while Sienna Pitcher (NSW) stole the show for the junior girls when crossing the line two minutes ahead of the field in 24:18.19.

Riley Jay Henry Purcell (QLD) added the action in the field with a 47.89m performance in the Under 18 Girls Discus when prevailing in a close contest with Jessica Johnston (NSW) who threw 47.25m.

After claiming gold in the Under 16 Girls 1500m yesterday, Emma Fryga (QLD) doubled back to complete a unique double bolting to a time of 55.09 in the Under 16 Girls 400m, missing the championship record by 0.01 seconds.

The Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships continues tomorrow and will be broadcast live and free on 7plus from 9am ACST.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 16/4/2024