Medals Galore for WAIS Track Cyclists
WAIS cycling athletes Mel Hoskins, Michaela Anderson and Luke Durbridge all picked up medals yesterday at the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.
WAIS dominated the women’s individual pursuit with Hoskins claiming gold in the 3000m ahead of Anderson – who had qualified fastest for the final – before being relegated to silver in the gold medal race against her Western Australian teammate. Bella King took fourth place to give WAIS three of the top four positions in the individual pursuit.
Luke Durbridge claimed a bronze medal in the men’s individual pursuit having narrowly missed out on the gold medal race. Durbridge bounced back to record the second fastest time overall in the bronze medal race to claim third with fellow Australians Dale Parker and Peter Loft taking gold and silver respectively.
South Australian Parker rode an incredible time of 3:17.26min in qualifying for the final in an effort that sensationally, nearly earned the 16 year-old a world record.
WAIS Head cycling Coach Darryl Benson was impressed with the effort produced by his squad on day two of competition.
“It was a great effort from our WA girls,” he said. “Firstly to qualify but then to finish first, second and fourth in the medal rounds was really pleasing.”
“They all rode personal bests and it was a terrific effort from them all.”
“Hoskins performance was a particularly impressive win as she was a doubtful starter the day before, fighting a virus.”
Benson was also enthusiastic about Durbridge’s result believing the gifted track rider is looking good in his preparations for February’s nationals.
“Luke’s bronze came in a very competitive field that nearly featured a world record,” Benson said. “He recorded a good time and this result will put him well in the mix for nationals next month.”
Holly Williams has given herself every chance of adding to the WAIS medal haul after qualifying for the semi finals of the women’s sprint which along with the medal rounds will be completed tonight.
In a busy schedule, Williams will also feature this afternoon in the 500m women’s time trial.
Jonathon Bathe finished 16th in the men’s sprint. Bathe had made an impressive start to his qualifying before fading through the repechage rounds.