Duncan, Williamsz surprise with victory in Noosa

All eyes were Stateside on Monday morning for the 2017 New York City Marathon.

Newly-crowned T54 5000m World Champion Madison de Rozario, claimed fifth place in the Women’s Wheelchair Division, won by Switzerland’s Manuela Schar (1:48:09).  

Congrats to this absolute #legend @madiderozario for smashing out the #TCSNYCMarathon🏅just making @Australia proud! 🇦🇺#beerandanap pic.twitter.com/8QNmAgL59s

— Nicole Hogan (@nichogan_) November 5, 2017

Meantime, Australia’s middle-distance stars were in action at the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival in Queensland on Saturday.

Melissa Duncan made a stunning return from injury, winning the 5km Noosa Bolt in a time of 0:16:21 over training partner, Eloise Wellings, 17 seconds in arrears.

I think I enjoyed winning the Noosa Bolt a little more than getting champagne squirted in my eyes 😂 thanks champs @elzywellings @aseccafien

A post shared by | M E L I S S A D U N C A N | (@lissyduncs) on Nov 4, 2017 at 5:49pm PDT

A broken foot four months out from the Rio Olympic Games cruelled Duncan’s ambitions for Rio. Duncan tested herself at the Mitchell Street Mile in September before attempting her first event over 5000m at the weekend. The 27-year-old said she is more comfortable running longer distance events following her injury, rather than her favoured 1500m, and will now chase Commonwealth Games selection.

“I am really excited with this result because I went into this race not knowing how fast I could run a 5km race,” said Duncan. “I was panicking; it is three times as long as what I am used to. I was just happy to be able to stick with Eloise, but once I got the momentum, I just felt comfortable the whole way. I was just hoping to be near her, so to win was a really good result.”

In the men’s event, Jordan Williamsz (0:14:12) enjoyed six seconds of clear air ahead of Stewart McSweyn.

Apparently I was happy about it. #noosatri #nike #mtcrising - 📸 @chloealexisturner

A post shared by Jordan Williamsz (@jordywilliamsz) on Nov 4, 2017 at 2:10pm PDT

Williamsz, like Duncan at home over 1500m, revelled with the extra distance.