Commonwealth champion Denny and the Maurie Plant Meet head south to Geelong
Published Tue 14 Feb 2023
Geelong has long been known for as a hub for football, but for one afternoon only it will transform to become the home of world-class athletics, with the Maurie Plant Meet headed south for a special preview event – the Men’s Discus Throw on Wednesday, February 22.
The Maurie Plant Meet is Australia’s first ever World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Level meet – the uppermost level of the World Athletics Continental Tour calendar, sitting just under the Diamond League in status. Each meet attracts the best athletes across the globe, with 14 existing meets offered across the world.
While the bulk of competition taking place in Melbourne on Thursday, February 23, Geelong sports fans will have exclusive access to some of the world’s best throwers, with the likes of Commonwealth champion Matthew Denny and trans-Tasman rival, New Zealand record holder Connor Bell going head-to-head at John Landy Field.
Denny, who opened up his season with a mighty 64.39m throw at the Chemist Warehouse Adelaide Invitational on Saturday, will be aiming for another lifetime best following his Commonwealth Games gold, but performing in front of a rowdy Geelong crowd is what is exciting the Olympic finalist most.
“I’ve wanted to go back and compete in Geelong for a long time. The last time I did was in 2017 and it was my best competition of the whole season. I was there for an athletics promotion, and what I loved so much about it was the intimate setting. Having the crowds come in a little bit closer to the action was really special,” Denny said.
Admission is free, music will be cranked up, sausages will be sizzling, and athletes will be available for autographs and selfies.
The family friendly hour of 4pm means kids can also participate in a discus coaching clinic held by gentle-giant Denny, after his event has concluded.
“It will be fun to show the kids some of the basics of throwing, just after they’ve seen me in full motion,” Denny said.
“Last weekend in Adelaide a kid came up to me saying he had never seen a thrower in action in real life, and the next day he posted on social media that he learnt so much from me, and that day threw a six metre personal best.
“It’s so important for kids to see what’s possible, and it’s not every day they get to see someone throw well over half of a football field. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Maurie Plant Meet, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold level meet, is a part of the Chemist Warehouse Australian Summer of Athletics and is supported by the Victorian Government and World Athletics.
Preview event
What: Maurie Plant Meet – Men’s Discus Throw
When: 4pm on Wednesday, 22nd February
Where: John Landy Field – 230 Swanston St, South Geelong
Who: Commonwealth champion Matt Denny, New Zealand record holder Connor Bell, and the very best athletes in the world.
How: Admission is free and all are welcome.
The main event:
What: Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne
Where: Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne
Who: The fastest man in the world, 100m world champion Fred Kerley (USA), Rio 1500m Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz (USA), more global stars from over 10 nations, along with our Aussie Olympic and Paralympic stars including Rohan Browning, Nicola Olyslagers and Stewart McSweyn.
Why: The world’s best athletes visiting, training and competing in the sporting capital of the world, Victoria, is good for the sport, sports fans and our Australian athletes. World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet offers significant prize money plus higher World Ranking points, which assists qualification for World Championships and Olympic Games
How: Tickets are available via Ticketek - https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MAURIE23
By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 14/2/2022
