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.

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.

Last weekend some of our mountain bikers from the Cycling squad make the drive to Awaba for the Fox Superflow weekend.