University trio on the big stage in Poland
IAAF World U20 Championships
Forsaking a standard break between semesters, three University of Melbourne students competed in the recent IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. All made a creditable debut on the international stage. Sarah Billings, progressed comfortably to the semi finals of the 800m, running 2:06.13 to record the third fastest time for the first round. She backed it up with another fine run, 2:06.86, in the semi final, finishing the competition ranked 14th overall. Billings also teamed up with Rio bound Jess Thornton along with Olivia Cason and Molly Blakey to record the 7th fastest time in the heats. Uneven seeding left them out of finals, despite the great run. Isaac Hockey, named a team captain, shone in the 1500m, clocking 3:48.63 to come 5th in his heat, pushing the pace in an attempt to qualify for the final. Kathryn Brooks shook off an injury interrupted preparation to record her second best throw ever, 50.54m to claim 9th in her heat and 16th overall. The three will return to Melbourne this week for the start of semester two.
