Stage set for the 100th Australian Track & Field Championships
Published Wed 29 Mar 2023
The wait is almost over with just one day to go until the 100th edition of the Australian Track and Field Championships, commencing tomorrow at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre in Brisbane.
Taking place from March 30 – April 2, the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian Track and Field Championships will see more than 1500 athletes from all states and territories line up for four days of scintillating action, as Australia’s Open age and Under 20 athletes battle it out for national glory.
With so much more than Australian titles on the line, the championships also serve as the selection trial for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest and an important qualification opportunity for athletes vying for selection for the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris this July.
Athletes who have met the qualifying standard for Budapest and have competed in at least two national meets of the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series will confirm their place on the Australian team ahead of selection later this year, when placing first or second in their events this weekend.
Australia’s favourite track and field athletes including Olympians, Rohan Browning, Nicola Olyslagers and Brooke Buschkuehl, as well as Paralympians Michael Roeger, Vanessa Low and Jaryd Clifford are all set to compete in what is set to be a celebration of the sport.
Michelle Jenneke comes in as the red-hot favourite in the Women’s 100m Hurdles having completed a hat-trick during the Chemist Warehouse Summer Series, with World Championships qualifiers to match. While the Rio Olympian has a season’s best of 12.69-seconds to her name, she’ll face a formidable pair in Commonwealth Games representative Celeste Mucci and Hannah Jones, the protégé of the great Sally Pearson; both of whom have recorded multiple sub-13 second performances this year.
Olympic finalist Jessica Hull enters the women’s 1500m in career-best form, but will be challenged by Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Abbey Caldwell who holds the fastest time by an Australian this year over three and three quarter laps. Having been edged out by Hull in their only 1500m match up at the Maurie Plant Meet, Caldwell will be hungry for the win and to secure her spot on the team. Also going for the title will be former Australian record holder Linden Hall and Olympian Georgia Griffith, with the fierce competitors set to deliver one of the showcase events of the championships.
Other athletes to watch over the championships include Kurtis Marschall as he edges closer to the six-metre club in the Men’s Pole Vault, Paralympic star James Turner who has come oh-so-close to his 100m world record multiple times this season, while reigning Australian champion Jaydon Page will be eager to defend his title and deny Turner in the Men’s 100m ambulant.
Australia’s premier high jumper Brandon Starc is also set to make his season debut in the Men’s High Jump, facing off against Joel Baden who has punched in the qualifying height already for Budapest, while back-to-back world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber will also hit the javelin runway for the first time this year.
“The Australian Track and Field Championships are the highlight of the athletics calendar in Australia, and this year’s event promises to be even more special as we celebrate 100 editions of this historic competition and pay tribute to the countless athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers who have contributed to the success of our sport in Australia,” Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley said.
“We are excited to see our best athletes compete for national titles and the chance to represent their country on the international stage. This event is an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skill, and an also an opportunity for fans of the sport to witness their track and field heroes in action.”
In addition to the on-track action, the championships will also provide an opportunity for fans and spectators to soak up the atmosphere of this historic occasion, with activities and fun for the whole family. Sunday will be Family Day at the track, with prizes and giveaways for best dressed fans, autograph stations as well as free entry for children 5 years and under.
“We encourage everyone to come along and be part of this historic event,” Bromley said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned athletics fan or looking for a fun day out, the 100th edition of the Australian Track and Field Championships promises to be an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see you there.”
The 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian Track and Field Championships will be delivered by Athletics Australia, and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government, Tourism and Events Queensland, and the Brisbane City Council.
For more information, including the event schedule, ticketing and live streaming details, click HERE.
Media who wish to cover the 100th edition of the Australian Track and Field Championships can do so by applying HERE.
By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 29/3/2023
