Australian Sprint Championships
A cold shower blew through windswept St Helens today and when it passed Danish and Swedish internationals Rune Olsen and Anna Danielsson had blown away their Australasian rivals. The Australian Sprint Championships featured a mix of town and parkland orienteering through this picturesque town tucked away in the northeast corner of Tasmania. The Juniors started first in this time trial event and soon two Kiwis were on top of the ladder, with Tom Reynolds in 14.55 and Kate Rea in 16.02. Australia had to wait until near the end of the Junior list before Erin Post (WA), current leader of the Junior League, got within 6 seconds of Rea’s time. It was a similar story in the Junior Men, but here late starter and Tasmanian hope Ryan Smyth got up, posting 14.53.
Now it was the elites turn and the women’s race was decided first. The one minute start interval meant a quick succession of finishers but none better than the Kiwi Junior Rea, until well into the last “Red” group of seeded elite runners. And it was a Tasmanian, Danielle Winslow, who got there, posting 15.43 for a big lead. Within a minute she was deposed by Tracy Bluett (NSW) who ran 15.40. Then it was Danielsson’s turn (pictured right) to grab the lead with 15.34. Tasmania had one last go with Grace Elson, but it wasn’t enough, with Grace just 4 seconds down in 15.38.
We had to wait till the 14th male starter for a challenge to Smyth’s time from Adrian Jackson (VIC), recent medallist at the World Mountain Bike Championships in Slovakia. Jackson fell just short with 14.56 – it was looking like a very tight race. Things changed quickly though with the appearance of the South Australian speedsters the Rattray brothers. Kerrin was first, with 14.36 to take a 20 second lead. Then, after a 15 minute wait he was deposed by brother Ben, who ran 14.10. Then it was Rune Olsen’s turn (pictured) to post the leading time, the first under 14 minutes – 13.50, leaving just the seeded Australian’s with a chance. Eric Morris (NSW) was the first challenger, but fell just short with 13.53. Leading Australian hope Grant Bluett (ACT) held a one second lead at the bridge on the way back into town, but faded imperceptibly to tie with Morris. It was a Scandinavian day!