By JARROD POTTER
TURNING back the clock, athletes from Casey Fields Masters and Casey Cardinia Athletics ventured west to Perth to take on the rest of the nation at the Australian Masters Athletics National Championships.
Casey’s crew joined with 139 other Victorian athletes to battle it out with 670 athletes – aged from 30 to 100 – from all over Australia and New Zealand for four days of competition while still renewing old friendships and making new connections.
Donning the bibs and preparing for track and field glory, the local contingent greatly impressed on the national stage last month.
A total of 17 gold medals returned with the Casey contingent, with the best of the bunch Paul Olsson winning the hammer throw, weight throw, weight (throws) pentathlon and triple jump to round out an exceptional week on the field.
Shaun Taylor, Mesh Prasad, Robbo Italia, Penny Hall and Mike Hall also excelled at the championships, bringing back gold from the 30-34 men’s all the way up to the 75-79 men’s and women’s categories.
Information regarding Masters Athletics (30+) can be found on the Victorian Masters Athletics website or head down to Casey Fields Athletics Track every Monday night at 7pm. Otherwise check the Casey Cardinia Athletics or Athletics Victoria for further times, dates and events.
CASEY FIELDS MASTERS – MEDAL TALLY
Shaun Taylor (30-34) – gold 60m, 100m and 200m sprints. Mesh Prasad (40-44) – gold 1500m, 5000m and 10000m walks. Robbo Italia (50-54) – silver 400m. Paul Olsson (55-59) – gold hammer throw, weight throw, weight (throws) pentathlon and triple jump. Penny Hall (75-79) – gold 1500m, 5000m and 10000m walks. Mike Hall (75-79) – gold pole vault and high jump, silver long jump, bronze 4x100m relay.
