WA'S BEST IMPRESS ON THE WORLD STAGE | WORLD ATHLETICS UNDER 20 RECAP

The future looks bright for Australian Athletics following the nation’s Under 20 Team delivered the best-ever World Under 20 Championship campaign in Lima.  

The 67-strong contingent produced a record high of 14 medals to finish in second place behind the United States of America, with WA’s Amelia Rowe among the medal winners.  

Rowe was able to add a silver medal to Australia’s tally as part of the women’s 4x400m relay team in the second last event of the championships. Rowe (Brian Pozzi, Tracksters Athletics Club) opened the race for the Aussies, followed by Bella Pasquali (VIC, Jason Boulton), Jemma Pollard (NSW, Tim Eschebach) and Sophia Gregorevic (VIC, Steve Gaffney). The team led for most of the race but fell just short in the final 100m, securing silver in a season best time of 3:31.47.  

Rowe also delivered an impressive opening heat in the 400m, placing third to secure a spot in the semi-final. Against a strong field in the semi-final, the Tracksters Athletics Club athlete delivered a solid 53.47 however fell short of qualifying for the final. 

Alexandra Griffin (Jared Tallent, UWA Athletics) delivered a class performance in the Women’s 10,000m Race Walk Final. Setting a new state record, the emerging race walk talent crossed the line in 45:16.26 to finish fifth in the world.  

Decathlete Jack Whiteside (Chelsea Whiteside, Inglewood Athletics,) found a new gear in Lima, setting three new season bests in high jump (1.85m), 1500m (4:46.73) and discus (46.15m). The Oceania gold medalist also set a personal best of 62.64m in javelin and a 49.55 in the 400m. The slew of impressive performances saw Whiteside finish ninth overall with a state record breaking score of 7440 points.  

 On the field, Australian record holder Robert Marchesi-Scott (Leanne Marchesi, UWA Athletics) threw 18.60m in his third attempt to land himself seventh in his heat however fell just short of qualifying through to the final.  

Ky Hehir (Matt Ramsden, Perth Track & Field) fought hard in the Men’s 3000m final, but against a tough field of competitors placed 16th with a time of 8:32.89.  

Olivia Dodds (Lynn Foreman, UWA Athletics) assisted the Women’s 4 x 100m relay team in qualifying for the final. The team produced a quick time of 44.76 in the heats and went into the final as the third fastest team on the track. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for the Australia quartet with the team being disqualified in the final.  

 You can find a full list of results from the Championships HERE.  

READY TO START SOMETHING GREAT? 

Registrations for the 2024-25 Athletics Summer Season powered by Go For 2&5 are now open. With our Little Athletes ready to emulate the heroics of our green and gold heroes, plus the National Championships bound for Perth, it’s bound to be a massive season.  

Whether you are looking for a new personal best, want to support your child's Little Athletics WA journey or are looking for the edge come next footy season, this summer 'Great Starts Here!  

Find your nearest club or centre here and register today! 

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For more information about how you can get started in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480 or email admin@athleticswest.com.au.  

By Imogen McDonald  

Image by Andrew Hilditch, Athletics Australia 

Published 3 September 2024