Shot put star hopes to secure Australian qualification

ATHLETICS: Olympic hopeful Matt Denny will be looking to make a qualifying throw at the upcoming Queensland Track Classic, with the support of locals behind him.

He took to Facebook to encourage those from his hometown, Allora, and others across the Southern Downs, to attend the March 20 carnival in Brisbane at QSAC Stadium.

“I want to help build the reputation of the sport,” Denny said.

“Some of the competitions we’ve been at lately haven’t had much attendance.

“I’m just trying to get people I know, that support me, to come out and watch me compete.” Regarded as one of the “best competitions Australia has had” in the last few years, the Queensland Track Classic will see some of the country’s top athletes compete against international competitors.

“It’s an extremely world class event – high jumper Brandon Starc will be there, Tom Walsh, who is one of the best shot putters in the world is coming over from New Zealand,” he said.

“There’s also a lot of other top athletes from Australia and internationally competing.”

Still searching for a qualifying throw of 66m in the men’s discus to make the Australian team heading to Tokyo in August, Denny is confident the timing will be right at the

Queensland carnival.

“I set a new personal best of 65.47 metres at the Capital Classic last Friday,” he said.

“I’m very close to that qualifier now, just 53cm off.

“If the conditions are nice, 66m or even further is possible and put that with an atmosphere, and people coming to support you, that’s where you can get your big distances.”