Another good day for Australians at WMOC
Friday, 16 October 2009
It was another good day for Australia
in the World Masters Games long distance qualifiers, with eight of the 24
classes being won by locals. For three of them, Natasha Key (W35), Warren Key
(M50) and Hermann Wehner (M85), it indicates a good chance for them to add to
their sprint gold medals. John Brock was especially convincing in winning his
M65 heat by eleven minutes over the two days, while there were also wins for
Paul Pacque (M55), Caryl Woof (W75), Ray Kelly (M80) and Liz Abbott (W50), who
prevailed by 43 seconds after a close contest with Gillian Ingham.
Today’s Scandinavian bragging rights, in contrast with the
sprint, went to the Norwegians, who took out four classes to two for Finland
and one each for Sweden
and Denmark.
The other country with multiple winners was New
Zealand, for whom Jason Markham led M40 and
Patricia Aspin, returning after injury forced her out of the sprint final, won
W60.
Unfortunately, two Australian hopes fell by the wayside,
with Christine Marshall (W45) and W75 sprint gold medallist Maureen Ogilvie
failing to qualify after mispunches in the heats.
The finals will be contested on Saturday. The area is
adjacent to today’s but is expected to be more technical and generally more
rugged, with many classes having shorter courses despite the longer projected
winning times. Long Final start lists will be available here by 14:00 Friday.
Results here Splits here
Story: Blair Trewin
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