Short Term Rivalry | Bisset Bound for Brisbane

Delivering a pair of Olympic qualifiers at the 2021 Brisbane Track Classic, Catriona Bisset and Linden Hall brought out the best of each other. Then rivals and now teammates, the duo headlines a slick 800m contest featuring Ellie Sanford at tonight’s 2023 Chemist Warehouse Brisbane Track Classic.

Racing at her first Track Classic since 2021 when clocking 1:59.12 over 800m to edge out Hall in 1:59.22, Bisset returns to the Australian scene after a stint on the indoor boards of Europe for the second year running – teaming up with a global medallist to refine her craft. 

“I’ve been focussing on lactic capacity. When I went overseas for indoors, I spent a lot of time with Keely Hodgkinson. I’ve become good mates with her and her coach, and have seen how she trains. It’s high intensity and low volume,” Bisset said.

“It suits her and actually it suits me too. We got a little bit inspired by what she was doing, how she was operating and what she was integrating.” 

Coached by Ned Brophy-Williams under the Quokka Track Club name, Bisset has posted strong early season results including a best of 1:59.83 for second place at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Final in Birmingham, along with a sub-two minute showing in a mixed race at Box Hill. 

“Every year, Ned and I have a mantra. Last year it was ‘full commitment’ and now it’s about ‘embracing discomfort’ or getting out of my comfort zone.  That high intensity training is about discomfort and that’s also what I’m taking into my 800’s - not being afraid and leaning into what happens,” Bisset said. 

“It’s fun and cool to be here in Brisbane. We have a real solid team with the Quokkas and we have worked hard to make each of us our best selves. When you have that, you take a lot of confidence going into your next race.”

The Australian record holder at 1:58.09 doubled down on that confidence while keeping it light-hearted ahead of the showdown with her training partner Hall, also acutely aware that the current climate of the Australian middle-distance scene ensures that wins are hard-earned. 

“I’m going to say me [in taking the win] but only because I know Linden’s training. She’s really been focussing on 1500’s but you never know. We have been training together a lot lately and I can tell you, she’s fast. That Linden… you’d be an idiot to doubt Linden Hall!” Bisset said.

“Having other athletes push me in Australia, it makes me grateful for every race and also grateful for how my body is performing - it’s been so good to me. Outcome goals are just part of the process but I know if I’m enjoying myself, it doesn’t matter what happens.” 

The 29-year-old is still building towards top form after a hamstring setback in January, taking away positives from her indoor tour as she looks to assert her dominance at the business end of the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Summer Series. 

“I came in to racing cold and then had fatigue because of it, and trouble adjusting but then in a week I was able to turn it around. I was pretty proud of that actually. It was a nice little reminder that just because you have a little niggle or injury, it doesn’t take away that six months of quality training,” Bisset said. 

With Ellie Sanford knocking on the door of the two-minute barrier at tonight’s Brisbane Track Classic and Abbey Caldwell clocking a scorching 1:58.62 for the win at the Sydney Track Classic, Bisset welcomed the influx of challengers as Australian athletics continues its resurgence. 

“It’s pretty thrilling. Seeing how Abbey raced in Sydney, I’m a huge fan of hers. Middle distance is just getting better and better. I’d say our cohort is one of the best in the world. It’s a cultural thing too,” Bisset said.

“You know, when they say ‘a rising tide lifts all ships’ - that’s about the culture and how we are all supporting and motivating each other.  I feel lucky to be part of this middle distance era. We have all the record holders in our peak at once. Jess [Hull], Olli [Hoare], Stewy [McSweyn] - it’s exciting to be a part of.”

The full start list for the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Brisbane Track Classic can be found HERE.

Tickets for the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Brisbane Track Classic can be found HERE. 

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 25/3/2023