Trio from Albany Athletics Club return from national championships in Sydney with strong medal tally

Three Albany Athletics Club members were part of the Masters Athletics WA team that shone at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships Sydney 2023 from March 10-13.

Having booked their athletic journey 18 months ago the trio had to overcome some hurdles along the way, with serious illness and fractured limbs affecting their preparation.

Brenda Painter, in the 75-79 age division, put in a tremendous effort in the face of serious illness and chemotherapy treatment, competing in 60m, 100m, long and triple jumps, shot-put and javelin events.

Painter won gold in the long jump and triple jump, silver in the 60m and 100m, and bronze in the 400g javelin throw, coming fourth in the 2kg shot-put.

Kath Hannig, in the 80-84 age division put together a brilliant display while battling a hip issue, showing great determination to compete in the 10,000m and winning gold in a time of 1hr. 52min.19sec.

Hannig also competed in discus and javelin but was unable to complete the 5000m event because of injury.

Barb Wilson, in the 70-74 aged division, bounced back from a fractured left leg and forearm six months earlier, recovering from surgery and completing full rehabilitation that included support training and strength work.

Wilson returned strong results in a medley of events, earning gold in the 3kg shot-put and silver in the 1kg discus, long jump, triple jump and the javelin 500g.

She also claimed bronze medals in the 60m and the weight throw (5.450g).

Wilson lauded the efforts of the three local athletes.

“A wonderful effort and achievement by the three local women,” she said.