Over the weekend, the Northern Inland Academy of Sport were incredibly excited to see some of our athletes back in action.
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The NIAS athletics squad hit the track running on Sunday at their first training session back since COVID-19 restrictions came into play a few months ago.
The squad met at the Tamworth Athletics Track where they were required to sign in and use hand sanitizer before being allowed entry onto the field.
Both track and field areas were in full swing once again as our athletes were able to spread out and utilise the entire space for their different events.
Both track and field areas were in full swing once again as our athletes were able to spread out and utilise the entire space for their different events.
Athletes were keen to get going with their training as coaches Adam Joliffe, Adrianne Rankin, Nick Price and Mikielee Snow guided them through their session.
Nick Price was leading the way with field events as our athletes trained to improve their techniques for shot put and discus.
Across the other end of the track was Adrianne Rankin who was in charge of hurdles training to get athletes practicing the correct body movements and skills when leaping over hurdles. Joliffe and Snow took on the sprinters and the longer distance runners.
Coach Adam Joliffe could not be happier that training has returned. "It was pleasing to see our athletes so eager to get back out and train.
"We had a great session with athletes from all different events, so we were able to hit the ground running with our session and utilise the entire track".
The track and field athletes represent NIAS in a range of events including sprints, hurdles, high jump discus, shot put, long distance races and steeple chase.
While our athletes have been able to keep up their fitness and practice some skills on their own over the break, it was wonderful to have their training alongside each other, their coaches, and on a proper track.
Like all other sports across the world, many athletics events have been cancelled this year. However, our young athletes can look forward to the 2020 NSW All Schools event that is set to be hosted in late September.
Over the weekend we also had some of our mountain bikers from the Cycling squad make the drive to Awaba for the Fox Superflow weekend. NIAS had Kalean Blair, Lachlan Marsh, Lawson Walsh and Joshua Deasey competing in the Junior U15s category. In the Junior U17s category was Campbell Walsh who raced against 62 other riders.
Lachlan Butters competed in the hardtail category where he placed second. Overall they each did well to brave the muddy conditions at Race One in the Superflow event series that is run across Australia.
ATHLETE PROFILE: Siarne Davis
Where are you from? Gunnedah.
What NIAS program are you in? I am in the Athletics Program.
What events do you compete in?
I compete in the throwing events including discus, shot put and javelin.
How long have you been throwing for?
I have been competing in the throwing events for seven years.
Who has been the greatest influence on your sports career?
Ken Harradine, who I get coached by when I can travel to Newcastle. Also Ben Harradine who throws discus and has competed at three Olympic games and won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2010.
What goals do you have with your sport?
I hope to one day make the Australian Olympics athletics squad.