Rizzo ready to defend Stawell Gift title
MATT Rizzo’s decision to bypass the Australian Championships in search of successive Stawell Gift crowns will be tested today when the defending champion aims to break a 51-year drought.
No man has claimed consecutive victories in Australia’s richest footrace since Bill Howard in 1966-67, but Rizzo is hopeful his strategy will pay off after posting the second fastest time in Saturday’s heats.
“I was actually a bit surprised, you always want to go for a quick time on Saturday, so hopefully I can back it up on Monday,” Rizzo said.
“I haven’t run since January in the Rye Gift, so to get out there and blow the cobwebs out feels awesome.
“I was pretty nervous, more pressure coming in this year after the result last year.
“It would be sensational to do the double, I look up to Bill Howard who won back-toback Stawell Gifts in 1966 and 67, also Josh Ross and Bill Foley have won twice.
“I’ve put all my eggs in the one basket. The focus has all been training since (Rye).”
Coached by fellow sprinter Matt Carter, Rizzo is comfortable with his handicap of 4.5m after winning last year off 7.5m.
Rizzo (12.28 seconds) was shaded in the heats by Jacob Despard, who set the fastest time (12.21 seconds).
“I’m really happy with the quickest time, it gives me confidence and lets everyone know we are here to do the business,” Despard said.
“I moved to Victoria from Tasmania, I feel like the move has really helped me, I was a bit too relaxed.
“I moved over with Jack Hale for better competition.”
Gary Finegan, another of the favourites, was third fastest at 12.30 seconds.
US hurdler Devon Allen secured a semi-final berth with a time of 12.47 seconds.
“I’m really looking forward to Monday, this is unique, and I like the atmosphere. I love running on grass,” the American said.
Reigning Stawell Women’s Gift champion Liv Ryan has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
In her absence, Kiara Reddingius clocked the quickest heat time (14.06 seconds), followed by Pam Austin (14.09) and Tara Domaschenz (14.11).
Domaschenz said: “It’s good to see that the times of the best 10-15 runners were so close. It will be an exciting final on Monday.”
The women’s semi-finals start at 11.50am with the final at 1.50pm. The men’s semis start at 12.23pm with the final at 2.20pm.