Albany Athletics Club season in full swing and is looking like being on of their most successful yet

The athletics season is in full swing at the Albany Athletics Club, with members ranging in age from 12-82 meeting each week at the Mike Biddulph Athletics Ground.

More than 40 members have registered for the first five weeks and they will continue track and field competition and training until March.

Despite an increase in membership this year, the club is hoping for a larger pool of competitors for its annual Peter Watson Mile and 100 Yard Dash special events, to be held on December 11, with prizes up for grabs and team relays added to the program.

Club president Jasmine Heslop said she believed the 2021-22 summer season was tracking to be one of the club’s most successful yet.

“To have over 40 members registered already and to see that number grow each week is incredibly promising, particularly as some members are travelling from as far away as Katanning, Gnowangerup, Walpole, Denmark and Mt Barker,” she said.

“The club prides itself on offering a supportive environment for athletes of all abilities, whether it’s younger athletes wanting to compete in open State track and field championships, more experienced athletes, parents wanting to role model to their kids that staying active is important, or first-timers to the athletics hoping to try something a bit different.”

Five members have already broken club records for their respective age groups just five weeks into the season. Barbara Wilson has had a great start to the season, breaking the shot put, long jump and triple jump records already.

Wilson jumped 2.81m in long jump and 6.25m in triple jump and threw 6.7m in shot put.

Craig Robson threw 37.73m in his age group javelin event while Anton Davey now holds the javelin record in his age group after throwing 32.71m.

Johan Stassen set a new club record in his age group for 400m hurdles, stopping the clock at 1:17.02.

Brenda Painter recorded a 0.92m high jump to set a new record for her age group at the club.

For those who enjoy a bit of variety, the club is holding their male and female Albany Outdoor Pentathlon event on January 15 with competitors running, jumping and throwing in five specified events.

Heslop said the club invited everyone to come and try athletics.

“The great thing about athletics is there is something for everyone,” she said.

“Our members can choose from short sprints, middle to long distance track runs, jumping or throwing events — whatever suits them really.

“It’s all about reaching personal bests at the end of the day”.