The women’s world number three javelin competitor and NSW resident Mackenzie Little achieved first place with a new season’s best of 61.69m, while Australian record holder and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Victoria’s Kathryn Mitchell came second after throwing 59.24m.
Both will be competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Coming in at third place was South Australia’s Salumi Roberts who set a new women’s State javelin record of 54.06m.
All top four in the men’s javelin threw seasons bests, with the winner Saxon Ward from NSW.
Wests Track and Field Club organised the “high velocity throws event” which also included a number of 60m races, with some of the club’s top sprinters taking part.
Club President John Crandell said it was the first time international athletes had competed on a grass field and they really loved it.
“With the Wide World of Sport TV show covering all of the action from 8am last Sunday, it really put Auburn on the map,” he said.
“There was real buzz on the day and we will now be looking to host bigger competitions.”
The festival was named in honour of John’s father, the late Wayne Crandell who for more than two decades, was a significant contributor to the sport as a coach and administrator, in particular, encouraging youth.
He assisted hundreds of athletes as a prominent coach with Wests, and also competed himself as a Masters athlete.
Best in javelin to take aim at Paris
SPEARHEADING interest in the benefits of competing on a grass field, Wests Track and Field Club have hosted some of the world’s best javelin throwers at Wyatt Park in Auburn for The Wayne Crandell Memorial Athletics Festival.
