Peacock Throws B Qualifier for Moscow
28 Jul 2013
Eastern Suburbs thrower Hamish Peacock has set a new state record, personal best and Tasmanian Allcomers record at the Domain Athletics Centre today.
Even more importantly for Peacock, his throw of 81.14m was 14cm further than the B standard qualifying mark for the IAAF World Championships in Athletics beginning in Moscow on August 10.
“I left it until the fifth round today, with the qualification period ending tomorrow, it was right down to the wire,” Peacock said.
“It feels strange to have finally achieved the distance I needed. I would have preferred to qualify a month ago or so, but I’ll take it anytime. I’ve got to wait until the final selection before I can finally celebrate, but it feels awesome to finally crack a standard to be eligible for a national open team.
“You’d call that doing it the hard way, but it was actually a nice winter’s day today. It was nice for a winter meet,” Peacock said.
The 22 year old has represented Australia at several underage competitions, but this will be his first national open team.
“Throwing in Moscow will be a massive opportunity. I know if I can reproduce something like I did today I’ll be in the mix to make it through to a final. It will be different going from a crowd of 20 today, to nearly 80,000 at the 1980 Olympic Stadium in a few weeks time.
“The throw today felt good, but I felt like there is more in the tank and I feel like there is a couple more metres there, whether it comes this year or another year we’ll see.
“I’ve been throwing consistently recently, which gives me confidence. I’ve thrown over 80m in my last 3 comps, including twice today,” Peacock added.
Peacock’s addition to the Australian team will be subject to selectors discretion in the coming days, with the World Championships to begin in Moscow on August 10.