Thanks from Lauren Foote to ASA, ACT, Cairnes Aths
As a heptathlete, opportunities to compete don't come around all that often and when a place in the Australian Commonwealth Games team is on the line in the middle of winter, it is almost harder to find a comp than it is to do well in one. Fortunately, the support for athletics and athletes is strong among at least three of the nations athletics associations. After failing to be selected after the trials, the next step was to continue training and compete in a couple more heptathlons to try to meet the A qualifying standard of 5900 points. While the option of competing overseas was on the table for a few weeks after the trials, the decision was made that some local comps would provide a suitable chance to qualify.
Despite all the efforts of the North Queenslanders, I did not reach the A standard and needed to find another comp. At this time of the year there are no overseas options and the domestic options are running out pretty fast due to weather (NSW, Vic), relaying of tracks (Brisbane, Darwin) and clashes with other sports (Gold Coast). Adelaide was always going to be a good option and thankfully, one was scheduled for the last weekend in July. Four other competitors bravely competed in the biggest field of heptathletes I've seen lately, outside Nationals (actually only one less!), in the middle of winter no less. Thank you to Kylie Montgomery, Nicollette Smith, Leanne Hodge and Amy Blanden. Many officials are required for a heptathlon to be run officially and there were many people I would like to thank, particularly the Enfield reps Rosemary and Graham Billett. Again, I failed to meet the score required and focused my efforts on a comp interstate for a final crack on the last weekend of the qualifying period. Unfortunately, this comp was cancelled at short notice and left me with few alternatives. The people at ACT Athletics were, in about 12 days amazingly, able to add a heptathlon (and an extra day) to a "High Noon" meet they run once a month or so, find the required officials to help and find at least I have been genuinely amazed at the generosity of people, who give their time and effort to help athletes out when they could easily say no. Athletics is a sport where you often hear negative stories about politics and the way things are done and I wanted to make sure that people know about the support that is out there for athletics and athletes. I now wait until the selectors have had their final meeting to find out if, after all this, I have been selected. Regardless, I am pleased just to have learnt that the sport of athletics is alive and well and in the hands of amazing people. I only hope that the future of the sport will continue on in the traditions of the faithful athletics fans that are currently running the show. Next time you see an official, say thanks! You wouldn't be able to compete if it weren't for them.
The Coral Coast Championships were scheduled for early July in Cairns and although there was neither a heptathlon nor decathlon on the program, the meet organisers added both for a handful of grateful athletes. The men's event included the top 2 Aussies and a highly ranked New Zealander, with a local Cairns man also attempting the 10 events. The women's event included the top 2 Aussies and the number 2 and 3 New Zealanders. It was an impressive competition and despite some challenging winds, the conditions were pleasant. The officials went out of their way to help and even offered us a place to stay after the comp.
two other athletes to make a legitimate competition. They found eager athletics supporters to official and three junior athletes, two of which were attempting their first heptathlon. While I scored personal bests in the shot put (12.88m) and javelin (42.42m), my jumps weren't good enough and I left with a score that was just above the B standard (5655 points).