<17.07.07> - KAY GETS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS CALL-UP
18 Jul 2007
KAY GETS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS CALL-UP
Somerset sprinter, Melissa Kay has come from nowhere after the National Championships in March to earn selection in the Australian team for the World Athletics Championships in Osaka in August.
After some encouraging mid season runs, including a new Tasmanian record for the 100 metres at the Telstra A Series Meeting in Canberra in January, all chance of selection appeared lost after a disastrous Nationals in Brisbane when Kay failed to make the final of either sprint.
But a last minute request to join the national team for a last chance qualifying race also in Osaka in May, when two of the original squad members were injured, provided the window of opportunity the Table Cape Primary School teacher needed to fight her way back.
After initially travelling as the team reserve, Kay following another change of plan, ran a stirring anchor for the Aussie quartet after solid legs from Sally McLellan, Fiona Cullen and Crystal Attenborough, producing the vital world championships qualifying time.
Even then Kay’s selection was far from confirmed with the previously injured athletes remaining in contention, a daunting period of training alone in a Tasmanian winter and a rigorous national squad camp ahead.
But Athletics Australia has today announced that the four who ran the qualifier, along with Sydney sprinter Preya Carey will comprise the final squad for Osaka.
Kay becomes only the fifth* Tasmanian athlete to be selected for a world athletics championship team joining Simon Hollingsworth and Brendan Hanigan (1995), Kylie Risk (1997) and Donna MacFarlane, who had already been picked for Osaka after winning the steeplechase at the Nationals.
AT President, Brian Roe said the Association was delighted to have two athletes heading to Osaka,
“The World Championships in Athletics are identical in almost every way to the track and field competition at the Olympics. To make a world championships team is therefore the equal highest selection honour in the sport.
“But to do so at 29 years of age, having toiled away at the sport you love for a decade and a half, is extra special. Mel is a great role model for her fellow Tasmanians and provides a wonderful example of how long term commitment can be rewarded.”
The Osaka World Championships in Athletics begin on 25 August. The nine evening and some morning sessions will be shown live in Australia on SBS.
Launceston – 17 July 2007
* Note: Tasmanians Susan Andrews (WA) and Kim Gillard (NSW) were selected whilst living interstate.
Further information: Brian Roe 0438 604 571