It was a landmark week for our athletics club as we celebrated the season's end at the Athletics NSW Annual Awards Dinner at the Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park, while simultaneously launching our international program at the World Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China.

NSW Annual Awards: Celebrating Local Excellence

With numerous outstanding athletes and impressive results this season, competition was fierce for the NSW Awards shortlist. Our club was well-represented with several finalists:

• Monique Perry: Most Outstanding Masters Female Athlete
• Tara Hollyoak: Multis (Open)
• Sarah Lovell: Multis (Open)
• Finalist: Metropolitan Club of the Year

The evening featured a special moment when Katie Edwards was nominated and won the International/National Para-athletics Coach of the Year, while her daughter Kristie Edwards was simultaneously warming up on the track for the Women's 4x100m Relay heat in Guangzhou. Katie coaches Mali and other notable members of the club including Olivia Rose Inkster who recently won the UniSport Nationals and was selected for the National U23 Team travelling to Teipei.

Mali Lovell claimed the award for Most Outstanding Para Athlete (Open). Mali ran multiple 200m National records and also qualified for the World Championships later this year. Mali spoke about the new strength and conditioning staff at the Sports Institute and working with new coaches in her effort to achieve her dreams and goals. While the change in support staff created some disruption to her programming she is looking forward to what the future has in stall. In a demonstration of the inclusive culture we've experienced throughout the season from New South Wales, Mali was also invited to present several awards during the ceremony alongside other dignitaries and life members.

Ryan Dowling took home the trophy for Most Outstanding Masters Male Athlete. Ryan's impressive season included standout performances at both the Oceania Championships in Fiji and the World Championships in Sweden, where he:

• Broke the 400m hurdles National record with a gold medal performance
• Placed 3rd on the Oceania age-graded performance
• Broke the 110m Hurdles (99cm) record on three separate occasions
• Won gold as part of the M45 4x100m Relay team that broke the National Record

Ryan's dedication was on full display when, shortly after winning his 400m Hurdle race, he made a 25-minute taxi journey to another stadium with his coach and squad mate, Ashley McMahon. Together, they formed the opening pair of the relay team that defeated favoured competitors from Great Britain, USA, and the host nation.

World Relay Championships: Our Athletes on the Global Stage

Women's 4x100m Relay

Kristie Edwards represented our club on the international stage, running in her familiar third leg position for the national team. Her squad finished third in their heat, advancing to Sunday's repechage round. Despite a strong effort, the team was unfortunately disqualified in the repechage for exchanging outside the zone.

The team now sets their sights on maintaining their current 15th position in the World Athletics Rankings, with the top 16 teams qualifying for the World Championships. We wish Kristie and her teammates the best as they await the return of several regular squad members who sat out due to injury.

Men's and Mixed Relays

Connor Bond made an impressive senior team debut after participating in several relay training camps. Competing in the Mixed 4x100m Relay, Connor and his teammates secured an automatic qualification for the World Championships with an outstanding second-place finish in their heat. In the final, they improved their time slightly and achieved a respectable fourth place with a new Australian best record time.

Luke Van Ratingen showcased his versatility by competing in both the Men's and Mixed 4x400m events. After finishing 6th with the Men's team on Saturday evening, Luke opened the Mixed 4x400m with his best-ever split of 45.10 seconds on Sunday. His strong start set the foundation for his teammates to secure both an Oceania Record and a World Championship silver medal.

Championship Relay Results Summary (courtesy of David Tarbotton):

Mixed 4x100m Relay

• Heat: 2nd place - 41.15s (Olivia Dodds, Carla Bull, Connor Bond, Josiah John)
• WC Qualification Round 2: 4th place - 41.22s (same lineup)

Mixed 4x400m Relay - SILVER MEDAL

• WC Qualification Round 2: 2nd place - 3:12.20 (Australian record & Oceania record)
  • Luke Van Ratingen - 45.10s
  • Ellie Beer - 50.33s
  • Terrell Thorne - 45.50s
  • Carla Bull - 51.27s
    * Medal winners included: Luke Van Ratingen, Ellie Beer, Terrell Thorne, Carla Bull, Cooper Sherman, Reece Holder, and Alanah Yukich

Men's 4x400m Relay

• Heat: 6th place - 3:06.32
  • Augustine Nketia Junior - 47.72s
  • Thomas Reynolds - 45.27s
  • Luke Van Ratingen - 46.36s
  • Terrell Thorne - 46.97s

Women's 4x100m Relay

• Heat: 3rd place - 43.15s (#8 Australia all-time)
  • Georgia Harris, Bree Rizzo, Kristie Edwards, Thewbelle Philip
  • WC Qualification Round 2: Disqualified
    • Georgia Harris, Bree Rizzo (9.98s split), Kristie Edwards, Thewbelle Philip

Looking Ahead

With these impressive performances at both state and international levels, our club continues to demonstrate excellence across multiple disciplines and age groups. The silver medal in the Mixed 4x400m Relay and our strong showing at the NSW Awards highlight the depth of talent and dedication within our community.

Congratulations to all our athletes, coaches, and support staff on these remarkable achievements. We look forward to following our international representatives as they prepare for the upcoming World Championships!