Aussie’s continue to give their all!

8 July 2006
craigf
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Categories: 2006 Archive
Simon Uppill
Simon Uppill

Australian Juniors continued their strong performances at the Junior World Orienteering Championships today with a solid team effort. The highlight was Simon Uppill’s excellent 26th place less than 4 minutes behind joint winners Jan Beres (CZE) and Soren Bobach (DEN), with Norwegian Olav Lundanes in third. The podium was overflowing with two placings getting the same time –first and fifth in the mens race.

The Danes were doubly celebrating today also with Signe Klinting winning a Bronze medal in the women’s race behind Betty Ann Bjerkreim Nilsen(NOR) and Ulrika Uotila (FIN).

Unfortunately Long distance gold medallist Hanny Allston lost any chance of another gold medal on the very tricky third control missing 8-9 minutes.Australia’s other ‘A’ finalists Jasmine Neve and Murray Scown also made significant mistakes and finished 55thand 53rd respectively.

Simon Uppill has learnt a bit today and is looking forward to upping his training and preparation for next years JWOC in Dubbo.

Chris Naunton and Ryan Smyth had better runs than yesterday in the B and C finals Ryan finishing in the shorter course in 27’ 19” in 7th position.  Chris finished in 28’50” in the B final (winning time 23’11) so not too far off the pace. The finish was the same as the qualifying race where the runners had to run up a hill to the finish line-  particular tough in the hot weather.

The girls tried hard and finished in the B final Vanessa Round 15th, 22nd for Keliie and 25thSophie who has improved over the week and Ainslie 40th.

Kellie Whitfield has had a particular consistent performance this week and can be pleased with her performance here against the world best.

The team are looking forward to some exciting relay racing tomorrow and for an Aussie best for both the boys and girls teams.

As selected after the trials at Easter, Australia’s relay teams for tomorrow are:

Women:

Jasmine Neve, Vanessa Round, Hanny Allston

Sophie Barker, Kellie Whitfield, Ainsley Cavanagh

Men:

Ryan Smyth, Christopher Naunton, Simon Uppill

Matt Parton, Evan Barr, Murray Scown