Peacock Set to Let Fly
20 Feb 2013
Hamish Peacock is in the best form of his life and enters the next installment of the National Athletics Series as a marked man.
The top ranked javelin thrower in Australia in 2013, Peacock can’t wait to extend his winning streak as he headlines the field event at Saturday’s Briggs Athletics Classic at Hobart's Domain Athletics Centre.
With his sights firmly set on qualifying for this years World Championships in Moscow, a target he firmly believes he can achieve.
“This season at a minimum I want to throw 81metres, which is the B qualifier for Moscow. Training indicates that I can do that and it is my goal this season. Once I’ve achieved that, my next goal is the A standard of 83.50”, Peacock stated.
With perfect conditions forecast for Saturday nights competition, Peacock has a feeling that this could be the week he betters his own state record of 79.33m.
“The forecasted weather is looking very promising for Saturday evening. It’s set to be a light tail wind, straight down the middle, which is ideal for Javelin.
“Training has gone relatively well up until this point. I’ve got a few niggles, which I’m use to dealing with and are part of the game.
The university student sure is in form, with his past two competitions producing his second and third furthest throws ever, including a win at the National Athletics Series meet in Newcastle.
“My last two competition at interclub and the Hunter Track Classic were my second and third best throws ever behind my 79.33 from Launceston when I tried to qualify for the Olympics last season.
Victory won’t come easy for Peacock at the 24th edition of the Briggs Athletics Classic though, with the field being the deepest of all field events on the night.
In the line up is the Chinese national champion Qinggang Zhao, who boasts a lifetime best of 81.74m, Indian thrower Ravinder Singh Kaira and many of the best from across Australia.
“Having a strong field like this in my hometown meet is great. I love the challenge of athletics and having some strong competition brings the best out of me.
“This is a very important meet for me each season. I like competing in front of my mates and family and it is one of the major meets of the domestic season,” Peacock confirmed.
What: Briggs Athletics Classic
When: Saturday February 23. 5pm-8pm
Where: Domain Athletics Centre
Who: 200 of the best athletes from eight different countries, around the world and Tasmania
Tickets: Available from Centretainment, Athletics Tasmania, Athletics Tasmania Clubs or at the gate.
