Conor unwinds with sweet festive treat
ATHLETICS: Early Christmas presents can come in all shapes and forms and last weekend Conor McLoughlin unwrapped a ripper.
One week before the festive season officially kicks in, Toowoomba athlete McLoughlin was gifted a dream result when he unleashed two personal best discus throws at a QA Shield meeting in Brisbane.
The 18-year-old’s two 56-metre-plus efforts qualified him for a start at next July’s IAAF World Junior Championships in Tampere, Finland.
The timely efforts at a low-profile meeting don’t yet guarantee him a spot on the Australian under 20 team.
But they have him in a prime position to capitalise in the new year on his breakthrough.
“Qualifying for the world juniors in Finland is what I have probably been training to do for the last three or four years,” McLoughlin said
“These are the same games Matt Denny competed at in 2014 and it’s been my long-term goal to follow the same path.”
McLoughlin and Denny have been long-time training partners under coach Grahame Pitt.
McLoughlin can now focus his sights on building around his qualifying marks with his next major target the national championships in Sydney next March.
“Last weekend’s meeting was nothing major but I was feeling pretty confident and just a little nervous,” McLoughlin said.
“My first throw was the biggest at 56.58 metres and on my sixth and final throw I got it out past 56 again which was a good way to finish after a perfect start.
“I’m over the moon with that result and it puts me in a good position timing-wise for Finland when I’ll be 19.
“Australian qualifiers for the championships have to be in the world top 12 to ensure we are competitive.
“And to be officially recognised you also must finish one or two at the nationals, although there may be a bit of leeway there.
“I’ll keep working between now and then to hopefully throw more qualifiers.
“Pitty and I have been working on a few things and it’s all been coming together.
“Fingers crossed after my weekend showing my goal is now within reach.”
❝I’m over the moon with that result.
— Conor McLoughlin