Jessica Hull traces the turning point in Australia’s middle-distance running fortunes to two years ago in Bathurst.
The Newcastle-based athlete was part of the nation’s team winning world cross country bronze, combining with Oliver Hoare, Abbey Caldwell and Stewart McSweyn in the mixed 4x2km relay.
The coveted prize was the first global medal for many of the quartet and has been followed by middle-distance accolades on the track at Olympic and Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
Women’s Olympic 1500m silver medallist Hull will again team with Hoare, Olympic finalist Linden Hall and teenage sensation Cameron Myers in the mixed relay at next January’s world cross country titles in Tallahassee, Florida.
“If you look at the timing of the bronze in Bathurst, it could definitely be seen as a turning point,” she said.
“It followed Olli’s Commonwealth gold and cemented that Australian middle-distance runners show up at major championships ready to contend.
“I’m really excited for the relay, we have a great mix of experience and youth.
“Cam Myers could be on five or six of these relay teams over the course of his career if he wanted to, and the relay team makes us four incredible athletes coming together in the green and gold.
“If we can put together our best races on the day, we have an opportunity to do something special.”
Australia will send 28 athletes to the US including Leanne Pompeani, who will contest at her fourth World Cross Country Championships, while Ky Robinson is seeking to better his fourth-placed men’s 10km finish at this year’s worlds in Tokyo.
“A world cross country medal is one of the hardest things to achieve in our sport,” Australian Athletics’ general manager, high performance, Andrew Faichney said.
“So, to be heading into Tallahassee with a team capable of contending is a sign of just how far distance running has come in Australia.”
For more sports stories:
- Jets ‘roar’ in impressive return to ALW winner’s circle
- GALLERY… Young gun Jesse Linden outshines stars at The Jack
- WSL Challenger Series charging on in Newcastle
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
