NSWIS and NSW State Team Update - Tuesday, 22 May 200

Good pre-season training for NSWIS and State Team Athletes promises for great results on snow

In recent running, roller skiing competitions and lab testing NSWIS and NSW State Team athletes have proven to be in top form coming into the season.

At a recent testing camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen there were some outstanding results from the athletes. Most notable was that of NSWIS Athlete Camille Melvey. Camille has a long testing history but her recent test results were significantly (up to 8%) better than previous bests. Most importantly these tests show that Australia’s top ranked female is still improving, an impressive feat for someone at her level. Another recent indicator of the athletes fantastic pre-season preparation is their performance in the Jindabyne Winter Sports Academy Roller Ski Sprint Race Series. NSWIS athletes Matt O’Rourke and Chris Darlington and State Team athletes Ben Sim and Colleen Blake have all been competing. Matt is currently in 2nd on the table with Ben in 3rd and Chris fourth. Colleen is in 3rd place on the women’s table.

On the strength of their solid form NSWIS athlete Chris Darlington, State Team member Ben Sim and Development Squad member Caitlin Parkyn and last weekend travelled with their coach (Nick Almoukov) to Mt. Beauty to compete in the Mt. Beauty ½ Marathon. Fifteen-year-old Caitlin Parkyn raced over 10 km’s and while suffering a stitch early in the race still finished 3rd in the Women’s under 20 class (against older opponents). Ben had an outstanding run finishing in 8th place over all and in a great time for his debut ½ marathon of 1:22:41 it is worth noting that Ben is still only 15 years old. NSWIS athlete Chris Darlington was not far behind Ben in a strong 20th place.

NSWIS athlete Mathew O’Rourke competed in the Canberra ½ Marathon last Sunday. Matt started very strongly with the lead group (10 runners), he ran through 10 km in 36 minutes and felt strong however after the 14 km mark Matt suffered severe stomach cramps that brought him to the sideline for at least a couple of minutes. Matt then pushed with the pain and struggled over the remaining km’s to finish in a reasonable time of 1:32 considering the troubles encountered. This result and his early pace show great promise for Matt for the races that really count on snow.

On the strength of these race results, good lab tests results and solid training we can expect an exciting season for NSWIS athletes.

The NSWIS Cross Country Program receives valuable support from Clubs NSW, NSWIS and Jindabyne Winter Academy of Sport and Recreation.

The NSW State Team receives essential support from Jindabyne Winter Academy of Sport and Recreation.

For more information please contact:

Tim Greville

Jindabyne Winter Sports Academy
Cross Country Ski
Development Officer
Programs coordinator

CONTACT

Tel: 02 64562242
Mob: 0417 263836
Fax: 02 64562917
e-mail: tgreville@dsr.nsw.gov.au
Post: PO Box 514 Jindabyne NSW 2627

Back to Autumn News 2001

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XC is the official website of the Skiing Australia Cross Country Committee. It is produced with the assistance of the Australian Sports Commission and the Kangaroo Hoppet. The editor can be contacted via hoppet@netc.net.au.