Team members share in success
ATHLETICS: Team cohesion and camaraderie are reaping rewards for a group of Toowoomba athletes who have had hard work repaid with success at this year’s Queensland All Schools Secondary Track and Field Championships.
Team Toleman members Lilly Hanssen, Carter Blades, Jai Gordon, Matthew Thomson and Courtney Taylor all shared in podium finishes at the titles.
Fourteen-year-old Hanssen continued her emergence with a 400-metre silver medal won in record-breaking time.
She was edged out by the winner on the finishing line with both runners breaking a 17-year-old Queensland record held by former Darling Downs athlete Jackie Davies.
“Lilly’s time of 55.86 seconds is a phenomenal run for a 14year-old-girl,” coach Amanda Toleman said.
“Lilly also placed fourth in the 200-metre final — another incredible feat after coming from the 400/800 events down into 200/400 in just six short months.”
Thirteen-year-old Blades also entered the record books with his gold medal win in the 400-metre final where he broke a 21-year-old mark with a run of 52.08 seconds.
Gordon (15) in only his second year at the sprint events finished with silver medals in both the 100 and 200 metres.
He ran personal best times in both races with runs of 11.01 and 22.40 seconds.
Taylor (18 years) had never had a podium finish but turned her fortunes around with gold in the 400 metres and silver medals in her 100 and 200metres events.
Fourteen-year-old Thomson added to the team medal tally with a long-jump silver leap of 6.17 metres.
Toleman said the Toowoomba squad harmony was reflected in individual performances.
“We had 10 athletes at states. Five came home with gold and silver medals plus records which is quite remarkable for a small squad,” Toleman said.
“I think a lot of that success is due to the camaraderie and team focus in the squad.
“When the athletes aren’t competing individually on the track, they are propping each up through the highs and lows of training and competition.
“But the success they are enjoying is the culmination of years of nurturing these athletes from a young age and congratulations to them for staying so focussed.
“They are an exciting group and it’s a real pleasure to work with them.
“Jai is raw and fresh and passionate about sprinting. I think big things will come for this talented young man.
“I would never discount a Stawell Gift podium finish for him down the track.
“Carter also finished fifth in his 200-metre event but he is a pure 400 sprinter and his record gold medal run was extraordinary.
“It was great to see Courtney rewarded as well. When most 18-year-olds have called it quits she has stayed focussed and determined, training alongside her team-mates.
“Matty Thomson is quite new to our squad but has worked hard to achieve his silver medal result. He’ll now work on his 100-metre speed and will be one to watch in that event as well.”
Hanssen, Blades, Gordon and Thomson will line up at next month’s national schools championships while Taylor will contest the under-20 club nationals in April.