Gold medallist dedicates school win to coaching great

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Updated: December 5, 2016

CARLEY Thomas (NSW) has dedicated her 2016 Australian All Schools Championships gold medal to her recently deceased coach, the renowned John Atterton, as competition drew to a close in Canberra (ACT).

Competing in timed finals for the girls’ under 18 800m, Thomas moved past Cara Jardine (Qld) in the second lap to storm up the straight and stop the clock in a meet record time of 2:05.40. The silver medal was won by Jemima Russell (Vic, 2:07.88), with Sarah Eckel (SA, 2:07.94) rounding out the top-three.

“I have been coached by John Atterton and he passed away from MND a couple of weeks ago So that’s been pretty tough. I’m still working off his program and today is definitely for him,” Thomas said.

“Oh gosh. I knew that Cara had ran a 2:06 recently and my best so far was 2:08 so I wanted to stick on her shoulder once I knew she was in my race, then sit and kick when I was comfortable. I wanted a PB so that’s really exciting. I felt really good out there and was so happy with my race.

The boys’ event was also won in a meet record time, with Christian Davis (Vic) crossing the line in 1:49.04 to better the previous mark held by James Kaan (NSW). Davis’ teammate Archie Wallis (Vic) won the silver medal in 1:49.51, and Jordan Doris (NSW, 1:50.70) the bronze.

For all the results go to Athletics Australia – DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3

Source: Athletics Australia