Ireland chasing her Australian dream
ATHLETICS: A dream to one day represent Australia is proving a powerful incentive for Toowoomba’s Ireland Lee.
Lee is amongst the latest generation of Toowoomba throwing athletes achieving at high level and her goal to wear the green and gold gained added momentum at the recent Australian University Games where she starred with three medal wins.
The 18-year-old USQ student, now in her second year of primary school teaching studies, won gold in the women’s discus and shot put events and silver in the heptathlon.
The former The Glennie School student won a discus bronze medal at last year’s University Games, but hard work — including a part-time job and throw coaching commitments at Glennie and TGS — are continuing to pay dividends on the sport field.
Lee has been coached by her father Larry since she was six years old while Rod Franke is assisting with her running and jumping coaching.
Lee’s Uni Games performances included a personalbest in discus and shot as she now sets her sights on next year’s open Australia Track and Field Championships where she aims to continue pushing her national selection credentials.
“I was really pleased with my Uni Games results which also included a personal best 4809 points in heptathlon,” Lee said this week.
“My goal now is to get past 5000 points.
“I do have a preference for all three throws but unfortunately for me the heptathlon throws are shot and javelin.
“I’m pretty busy at the moment working a part-time job and coaching throwing at Glennie and Toowoomba Grammar, but I really enjoy it.
“I’ve been able to consistently make Queensland teams for the nationals and that’s my goal again next year.
“My University Games results compare pretty well with the national open competition levels.
“Eventually I’d love to represent Australia and that remains a big incentive for me.
“I aim to work as hard as I can to get there and hopefully the results will keep following.”