Seear should get 3rd possie, Rina does it for the mums and Bennett bursts into tears
Maxine Seear today won the 2nd olympic qualifier in Perth, a victory which should almost cement her place on Australia's Olympic Team to compete in Athens 2004.
As she was not a member of the shadow squad of athletes put forward to the AOC late last year, she now relies on the selections discrection. It was a fantastic race by Maxine and she again proved herself well worthy of all the media coverage and rave reviews surrounding this young QLD-er.
34-year-old mum Rina Hill took 2nd place over the line, and as she *is* in the squad, is now on the plane to Athens with Loretta.
3rd place went to another QLD-er, but West Australian born and bread (as we were often reminded! :)) , Liz Blatchford.
It's all the way down here in the 3rd paragraph, but Nicole Hackett had a terrific race, finishing 5th over the line behind 2003 World Champion, Emma 'Snowy' Snowsill, in what was a massive effort. The race for Nic went something like this: She was on Harrop's toes for the 1.5k swim, before being in a group of 5 - 7 athletes for the 40k bike, and the group rode the bike leg in a peleton style - pullin' the train! - it sure looked like it was going to come down to the run! - until towards the end youngster (& young star!) Annabel Luxford who gallantly made a break away, with just a handful of laps remaining on the bike, but managed to impressively put 1min 1/2 or so on the other girls as she made what was shaping to be a decisive move, based on her attacking style on the massive hill, a feature of the tough and punishing course in the hot Perth heat, she took her lead onto the run leg and it was always going to be a case of the 'rabbits chasing the hare' as proven speed-machines like Snowsill and Seear set out over the 10k.
Hackie then gave it her all over the run leg before bringing it over the finshing line with a few waves to the appreciative crowd, who gave her a big cheer. (no it wasn't just us!)
A sad sight on the cycle was to witness the withdrawal of a legend of the sport, Michellie Jones. As the article below states she was feeling dizzy etc. and was later diagnosed as suffering from a virus.
Loretta.H. also withdrew at the end of the bike leg, but was seen sauntering ;) along the run leg mid way-to the end of the 10k and although we didn't personally see it, was giving Hackie a lot of vocal support :). (the guys doing a great commentary on the race announced this)
Again, but I feel like it's worthy to stress the point!, It was also great to see Hackett gutsing it out on the run.
Luxford's lead was unfortunately for her, eaten up in just the 1st lap of the run and as the laps progressed hill and seear took the lead, in what was quite a few lead changes, with snowsill and her awesome running form, also in striking distance.
A second place for Rina was still going to see her with a place on the team, so it was great to see that Maxine was able to win the race and hopefully win the 3rd place on the team.
My head hurts and i can't think lol, i don't even know if anyone reads this(!!!!) so i'll wrap up with the mens race also living right up to expectations (sorry, a full review on events will come!) with the big-fella Craig Walton steaming out in front with his super swim-bike combo to absolutely blow the field away - took a 3.5min lead onto the run - after a chase pack of 20 athletes virtually didn't work together at all(!), only to see Thompson and Bennett take the 1-2 position with 4km of the run to go.
Seems a shame for his hard work not to earn him the auto-selection, but as the article below eludes to, he may well be the athlete named for the 3rd position.
In relation to the headline, a very emotional Greg Bennett was in tears at the end of the race. A great moment for him to realise his Olympic dream , while Simon Thompson just had a fantastic race also, 2/2 in the olympic quallies!
Eyes hurt ;) will write more later.....! perhaps when i return home...!
5:56 WST! (revised version!)
Signing off!
P.S: also got Hackie to sign my Aussie flag and had a quick photo.
Pretty kewl!
Pics of that to come.
Also quickly asked her (didn't seem that up for a chat -- 'tis cool.) about her plans for the Comm Games etc and she said she hoped to qualify (or to that effect!) she'll still be around type thing
so, that is/was good. but who knows! :)
Congrats again Hackie!
See article - Two more triathletes Athens-bound
http://www.foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,8556338-23210,00.html
