Relive The Thrills | 2023 Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne

In just 100 days, the roar of the crowd will once again echo through Lakeside Stadium as we gear up for the 2024 Maurie Plant Meet. We take you on journey back to some of the heart-pounding moments that defined Australia’s first ever World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Level Meet.

Hoare makes the John Landy Mile his own as Myers steals the spotlight
In a stunning display of middle-distance running, Commonwealth champion Olli Hoare dominated the John Landy Mile, clocking in at 3:52.24 for the third fastest time by an Australian on home soil.

Hoare powered down the back straight, leaving his competitors in the dust, while 16-year-old Cameron Myers produced a huge result to finish third in 3:55.44, breaking a 43-year-old Australian Under 20 record and making history as the second-youngest athlete to achieve the sub-four minute mark after the legendary Jacob Ingebrigtsen.

Hull and Caldwell do battle
Middle distance supremos Jessica Hull and Abbey Caldwell showcased their tenacity in the women’s 1500m. Hull made her move with 300m to go, but Caldwell staged a fierce comeback, sending the grandstand into a frenzy.

Hull managed to hold her ground to secure the victory, with Caldwell’s gutsy run keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. 

Kerley impresses in Peter Norman 200m
USA’s Fred Kerley and home crowd hero Rohan Browning captivated the audience in the Men’s 200m. Browning led the pack into the straight but it was the world’s fastest man, Kerley that surged ahead crossing the finishing line comfortably in 20.32 seconds.

Despite not breaking the 20-second barrier, Kerley’s confident performance and showboating left a lasting impression on the crowd.

McSweyn’s Brave Run in the Men’s 3000m
Wearing the vintage Melbourne Track Club kit in honour of the meet’s namesake Maurie Plant, Stewart McSweyn displayed unmatched bravery over the distance. 

He fearlessly led the race, facing off against Kenya’s World Athletics Cross Country Under 20 champion Ishmael Kipkurui. Though McSweyn faded in the home stretch, his aggressive approach and dedication to honouring Plant’s legacy earned him a well-deserved second place.
 

Perris dominates as Page topples Australian record
The White Tiger roared over the 100m ambulant as Chad Perris asserted his dominance as the country’s fastest Paralympian.  With a powerful stride and unwavering determination, Perris blazed down the home straight clocking 10.81 (-0.1), while Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jaydon Page delivered an Australian record in the T47 class in 10.95.

Jenneke triumphs in the Women’s 100m Hurdles
Returning from an indoor stint in Europe, Michelle Jenneke clocked an impressive time of 12.75 (+1.2), showcasing her mastery over the hurdles and clocking the qualifying standard for the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Despite facing a strong challenge from Celeste Mucci throughout the race, Jenneke surged forward when her competitor stumbled, securing a well-deserved victory.

Olyslagers soars as crowd left in awe
Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers showcased her exceptional talent and determination, clearing the bar at 1.93m. Her unwavering focus propelled her to victory, as she triumphed over her competitors with grace and style.

Olyslagers’ jump not only marked one of her many wins of 2023, but highlighted her journey towards her bronze medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Anang explodes to victory

As the field grows deeper, a battle emerges each year between Australia’s top female sprint stars. Queenslander Naa Anang emerged victorious in the Women’s 100m at the Maurie Plant Meet, leaving an indelible mark on the track. S

Shoulder-to-shoulder with sprints specialist Ella Connolly, Anang was able to to find a fifth gear and move past Connolly to claim the win in 11.20 (-1.4).

Browning wins Bledisloe of sprints
The tension was palpable as the final race of the night unfolded at Lakeside Stadium with the Men’s 100m. Spectators had their eyes glued to the track as Browning and New Zealand’s Eddie Osei-Nketia battled stride-for-stride. 

Browning managed to edge out his Kiwi competitor by the slimmest of margins, crossing the finish line in a swift 10.26 seconds, a mere 0.01 ahead of his rival. 

Dale causes upset in Women’s Long Jump
Rising long jump star Samantha Dale delivered one of the upsets of the night in the Women’s Long Jump, facing tough competition from Australian record holder Brooke Buschkuehl and the 2023 World Championships silver medallist Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA). 

Dale’s second-round jump of 6.71m proved unbeatable, securing her victory and leaving the crowd in awe of her talent and determination.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 6/112023