All the right moves by Hall
IF Sara Hall was battling in the closing stages of the half marathon yesterday, she had plenty to draw on to help her win back-to-back Gold Coast titles.
The mother of four daughters moved from California to Arizona in the US with husband, US Olympic marathoner Ryan Hall and their family, in the weeks before heading to Australia.
So running 21.1km yesterday was a piece of cake in comparison.
Hall beat a quality women’s field across the line, crossing in 1hr 9min 26sec, ahead of Sinead Diver (1:09.51) and Laura Thweatt (1:10.15).
“It means so much to win again, I love this race,” Hall said.
“It’s one of those spots that is my favourite, so I try to come here whenever I can.
“I’ve had to battle through a lot these last five weeks just with moving and all my kids and all their stuff but I wanted to be here despite it all, so I persisted.”
Hall’s husband is setting up a pro running team in Arizona, with Hall one of those who calls on his expertise as she chases her dream of winning an Olympic berth in Tokyo in 2020.
“I’m really thankful for his help and guidance because everything he learned when he was competing is poignant to me and the group,” she said.
With the 2020 Games on the horizon, the Gold Coast could become a stepping stone to earning a spot in the US team.
“As I look forward to the Olympic trials and what I’m going to have to do to make that team, to be able to run 69:20 here, is going to help my chances to keep improving.
“In the US we have to be top three on the day, we don’t have a selection process like here, so it’s quite difficult.
“So every chance you get to compete, like here, and bring you’re a game, is a great opportunity.”