Local steeplechase champion Matthew Campion has just missed out on a podium place at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships held in Canberra recently.
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Campion finished fourth with a time of 6 minutes 18 seconds at the Australian institute of sport national championships in the steeplechase event.
The steeplechase is an obstacle race in athletics, which derives its name from the steeplechase in horse racing.
The foremost version of the event is the 3000 metres steeplechase. The 2000 metres steeplechase is the next most common distance.
Campion said the All Schools are the pinnacle of school-aged sports competitions.
“These championships are the pinnacle of school-aged sport for Australian athletes where only three people from each state are chosen per event,” he said.
“I was chosen for the 2000m steeplechase after placing second at the NSW all schools championships.
“At these championships, I was really happy to get the fourth placing, so I am the fourth best in the event out of the top placed 14 in Australia.”
Campion said he didn’t think his time was very fast.
“My time of 6:18 wasn’t as quick as I was hoping but overall I’m ecstatic with fourth place in the country,” he said.
“The experience was great to see the facilities that are at the institute of sport and to go away to a national carnival representing my State was an honour.
“I will now take a break from training and reassess my goals for 2017, I’ll now have to step up the 3000m steeple.
“I’d like to thank my coach Jay Stone for everything and being the fourth best in Australia sounds pretty good to me.”
Matt’s parents Mark and Wendy say they recognise the significance of their son’s achievement.
“We are just so proud of Matthew’s achievements throughout the year with his athletics,” Mrs Campion said.
“His dedication, hard work and all the training he has put in have seen him make the Australian Juniors in Perth for 3000m, National Cross Country Team in Canberra for 5km and Australian All Schools in Canberra for 2000m steeplechase all in 2016.”
Glen Innes High School’s Kirsty Fuller said it is good to see Campion’s dedication to steeplechase has paid off.
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
