AUSTRALIA GETS READY TO RACE THE WORLD IN BATHURST

A historic moment in Australia’s sporting history is set to unfold on the slopes of Mount Panorama with some of WA’s best on the start line and behind the scenes. The World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 23 will see 453 elite runners from 48 teams descend on Bathurst on Saturday 18 February

The first World Athletics Senior Championship event, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships make their return to the Oceania region for the first time since 1988.

Late athlete changes have seen WA’s Matthew Ramsden (Nic Bideau) withdraw from the Championships due to injury, while junior Charli-Rose Carlyon (Suzi Graves) has joined the team following a fellow team member's withdrawal.

Ramsden was second at the Australian trials in January, but had to withdraw late on Friday afternoon due to a calf injury, with Andre Waring called up to replace the West Australian.

“With the timing of it and the nature of the course, it would just be dumb to race. The chance of retearing it is high, it’s a hard course and is something athletes will need to consider. Hopefully, I’ll be able to run a few races ahead of Nationals.” Ramsden said.

Looking at the rest of the team, Ramsden was excited to see the inclusion of fellow West Australian Charli-Rose and said he’d be on hand to support her.

“It’s awesome having another WA athlete here. It’s her first Australian team so hopefully, she can soak up everything. It kind of makes it a bit better for me knowing that I’m out, but another WA athlete is in.”

Charli-Rose Carlyon won’t forget her journey to the start line of her first major Championship any time soon. The WA runner was called up to the Australia team early on Thursday morning to replace an injured Fieke Van Der Kamp. Finishing one second out of the top 6 at the Australian trials, Carlyon was initially the reserve, but will now join the other 11 Australian Under 20 athletes and debut in the green and gold.

“It doesn’t feel real. It still feels so strange walking past people who are asking to take a photo with me. Normally it’s me asking to take photos with the Australian athletes.” Carlyon said.

“I got the call while I was doing a training session, so then my Mum received a message saying that we needed to call. When they asked, I was like yes – absolutely.”

Carlyon will take on hot conditions and a tough course, with the World’s best athletes even admitting that they won’t forget the 2km circuit anytime soon.

“The course seems pretty tough, I haven’t had a chance to walk it yet, but it looks tough. [In terms of my goals for tomorrow], anything, just to be in it is great, so I’m excited for the experience.”

Behind the scenes, the state will be equally well represented with multiple West Australians taking on key positions at the event. Senior Athletics West officials Mike Holmes and Toni Pett have been selected by Athletics Australia as Assistant Referee and Starts Assistant for the World Championships respectively. Danny Kevan and Rebecca La Maitre have been selected as official Time Technicians for Seiko Timing. While Bob and Lynn Schickert will be attending to help deliver the World Masters Athletics events at the Championships.

You can follow all the athletics action from the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 2023 via Athletics Australia and World Athletics social media pages.

For more information about how you can get involved in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480.

By David Smith, Athletics West

Posted 17 February 2023