Words by Sean Whipp
Geelong’s Landy Field played host to a swathe of in-form sprinters, as Athletics Essendon’s Jack Hale ran the fastest electronically-timed 100 yards (9.43, +2.0) whilst Ebony Lane (MPA) set a new Victorian record in 10.59 (+1.1).
Hale ran sparingly in the Tasmanian Christmas Carnival series, pulling out of the Burnie Gift final as a precaution – preserving some serious early-season form.
“After the 100 yards it shows that I’m in probably the best form I’ve ever been in, in early January in my life. I think that’s the biggest positive I can take out of the run, aside from winning and running an Australian record.”
Hale was optimistic in discussing the upcoming season.
“I’m in great shape and everything I’ve done during lockdown has come to fruition now, to the point where I’m very confident going forward into the 2021 season. Knowing I’m in shape to run, let’s say 10.20 now – but come some of the bigger meets in a couple of month’s time, there’s no reason I can’t be running that 10.05 qualifier.”
Landy Field’s reputation as a reliably fast venue was bolstered by strong performances from Hale, Jake Penny (GLG) and Dhruv Rodrigues Chico (SAN) – rounding out the podium in 9.54sec and 9.64sec respectively.
“I do believe Geelong, for any additional sprint meets, would be brilliant. It’s only an hour and half drive for most people in metro Melbourne – so to get there and get on the fastest track in Victoria that generally produces some nice tailwinds… it would be silly for more people not to get involved in those meets. I think taking the opportunity to run in Geelong when you can, would be critical for any sprinter looking to run a quick time” said Hale.
The exciting 22-year old will race at the next High Velocity Club meet on February 4th at Box Hill.
Result: Heat #1. Wind: 2.0
1 106 Jack Hale (ESS) 09.43
2 70 Jake Penny (GLG) 09.54
3 64 Dhruv Rodrigues Chico (SAN) 09.64
Mornington Peninsula’s Ebony Lane built on a recent strong patch of form, running particularly strongly in the back half of her 10.59sec (+1.1) run to dispatch Celeste Mucci (WTN, 10.73sec) and Mia Gross (DKN, 10.77sec). Lane’s performance, a new state record, likely furthering the Matt Carter coached sprinter’s confidence heading into the 2021 season.
Result: Heat #1. Wind: 1.1
1 2687 Ebony Lane (MPA) 10.59
2 16 Celeste Mucci (WTN) 10.73
3 117 Mia Gross (DKN) 10.77
In a healthy Men’s triple jump competition, Ayo Ore was victorious in 16.09m (+2.1), whilst Frankston’s Aiden Hinson leapt out to 15.70m (+1.5) – a 21cm personal best. Should Athletics Australia’s previous World Under 20 selection policy remain unchanged, the jump would put Hinson in contention for the Australian team, with the qualifying standard set at 15.70m. Athletics Essendon’s Angus Wood took third in 15.21m (+1.7m)
Result: Heat #1
1 55 Ayo Ore
15.94m(2.2); 16.09m(2.1); Foul(2.9); 15.52m(1.3); 15.67m(2.8);
(ESS) 16.09m (2.1)
2 128 Aiden Hinson
15.40m(2.4); 15.33m(1.7); 14.90m(+0.0); 15.70m(1.5); Foul(3.4);
(FKN) 15.70m (1.5)
3 190 Angus Wood
15.21m(1.7); 14.16m(+0.0); Foul(2.8); 14.41m(0.7); 14.69m(1.9); 14.47m(3.9);
(ESS) 15.21m (1.7)