BLADES BRINGS HOME THE GOLD
Toowoomba runners take home spoils at nationals
ATHLETICS: The immense rise of Carter Blades in 2018 has reached a new golden peak.
After laying claim to the Queensland under-14 400m school title last month, the young athlete is now a national champion after taking gold at the Australian All Schools Championships in Cairns.
Blades paced himself for the final after qualifying second with a time of 53.47 in the heats behind Northern Territory runner James Swao (52.61).
The Downlands College student was able to turn the tables when it mattered, running 52.59-seconds in wet conditions to claim gold ahead of Swao.
Coach Amanda Toleman was on hand to watch Blades, and credits the young man for a perfectly-timed tactical run.
“The race was delayed because they were sweeping water off the track, and there was a big headwind going into the first 200,” Toleman said.
“Carter is a technically smart runner. He knows when to hold back and when he hit the 200 he knew a lot of them were spent.
“When he hit the curve near the 300 he sprinted, and while they were chasing him, he knew they weren’t going to catch him.
“Carter is a true champion and if we don’t see him in the green and gold I’ll eat my hat.”
Blades’ gold capped off a strong performance at the championships for Toleman’s team of athletes.
Centenary Heights SHS students Lily Hanssen and Jai Gordon also graced the podium.
Hanssen, 14, performed above her years in claiming bronze in the U16s 400m while Gordon took silver in the U16s 100m and enjoyed success in the relay events as well.
Toleman said witnessing the success of the young athletes rivalled watching her own children compete.
“It’s as good as years ago when my own children were sprinting,” she said.
“The feeling is no different. You ride the highs, lows and the elation. You have a special bond with the athlete, and when they’re down or tired you try and build them back up.
“Their success is very humbling and what we are all doing as a team is working.
“We try to create an environment where we treat it like a team sport in a sense. We train and work hard together.
“Lily was the only 14 year old on the podium and ran a PB, and Jai was racing against boys who are much larger.”