EVENT PREVIEW | 2022 WORLD U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Published Mon 01 Aug 2022
The next generation of Australian athletics stars is set to take on the world in Cali, Columbia starting in the early hours of Tuesday. The Australian team of 55 athletes is set for a massive week of athletics competition and is one of the largest contingents ever sent to the Championships. WA's Taylah Cruttenden (Brayden Clarke), Etienne Rousseau (Didier Poppe), Ashley Spencer (Remo Pollastri) and Annie Pfeiffer (Lyn Foreman) will be wearing green and gold as they attempt to return home with some new silverware.
Leading WA's efforts will be sprint star Taylah Cruttenden in the Women's 100m and 4x100m Relay. Selected for the team in 2021, Cruttenden will finally get her chance to line up against the fastest women as she looks to wrap up an illustrious junior career, which includes the 100m National title in every single junior age group. The pocket rocket of Cruttenden will look to emulate her personal best of 11.49 in the 100m, as well as her exceptional ability in the Women's 4x100m Relay.
Joining Cruttenden on the track is up-and-comer Ashely Spencer who will contest the Women's 400m Hurdles alongside fellow Australian Isabella Guthrie. Spencer had a solid showing at the 2022 Australian Track and Field Championships to claim silver in a World Under 20 qualifying time in both the heats and final. Spencer will line up in the heats on Wednesday morning.
Out in the field, Etienne Rousseau will be looking to unleash in the Men's Discus Throw. The big man is WA's sole field athlete and is clearly ready to step into the circle amongst the world's best. Setting dual World Under 20 qualifiers and claiming silver at the Australian Championships, Rousseau will get his campaign underway on Friday night.
Finally, WA's Annie Pfeiffer will kick start WA's campaign with the Mixed 4x400m Relay on Tuesday morning. Returning from nearly two years of injury, Pfeiffer's reemergence onto the national scene occurred in sensational fashion with the UWA athlete running five personal bests in six finals to earn selection into the team.
VIEWING SCHEDULE
WA ATHLETE |
EVENT |
COMPETITION ROUND |
TIMES ARE WST |
|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday 2nd August |
|||
| Annie Pfeiffer | 4x400m Relay (Mixed) | Heats | 5:20 am |
Wednesday 3rd August |
|||
| Ashley Spencer | 400m Hurdles | Heats | 12:25 am |
| Taylah Cruttenden | 100m | Heats | 1:30 am |
| Annie Pfeiffer* | 4x400m Relay (Mixed) | FINAL | 5:50 am |
Thursday 4th August |
|||
| Ashley Spencer* | 400m Hurdles | Semi-Final | 4:05 am |
| Taylah Cruttenden* | 100m | Semi-Final | 5:05 am |
| Taylah Cruttenden* | 100m | FINAL | 7:35 am |
Friday 5th August |
|||
| Taylah Cruttenden* | 4x100m Relay (Women) | Heats | 4:00 am |
| Ashley Spencer* | 400m Hurdles | FINAL | 6:10 am |
| Etienne Rousseau | Discus Throw | Qualifying | 10:25 pm or 11:35 pm |
| Annie Pfeiffer* | 4x400m Relay (Women) | Heats | 11:40 pm |
Saturday 6th August |
|||
| Taylah Cruttenden* | 4x100m Relay (Women) | FINAL | 6:30 am |
Sunday 7th August |
|||
| Etienne Rousseau* | Discus Throw | FINAL | 4:30 am |
| Annie Pfeiffer* | 4x400m Relay | FINAL | 6:20 am |
The World Athletics Under 20 Championships is set to begin on Monday, August 1 in Cali, Colombia where Australia will field a 55-strong team of the nation’s brightest young talent.
For more information and to follow all the upcoming athletics action head to Athletics West’s Facebook & Instagram pages.
For any queries, please contact Athletics West at admin@athleticswest.com.au or 08 6272 0480
By David Smith, Athletics West
Posted 1st August 2022
