Tara Murray
It was a big week for Western Athletics athletes at the Oceania Championships with four athletes medalling.
All four were part of the Australian team that headed to Mackay for the event, which included under-18, under-20 and senior events.
Liam Cashin made a winning start to his time in Australian colours, winning the open age 3000 metre steeplechase.
Frankleen Newah-Jarfoi won gold as part of the under-18 4×100 metres relay team.
Abigail Thomas won silver in the under-20 3000 metre steeplechase, while Xander Byrne won silver in the under-18 400 metre hurdles despite being ill in the lead up to the event.
Western Athletics president Peter Cashin, who was up at the event, said the club hadn’t had results like that before.
“It was unexpected,” he said. “It’s a reward for all the hard work the athletes and coaches have put in.
“We’ve had athletes go to the Oceania Championships before, but I don’t think we’ve had the amount of success like this before.
“It’s really good for all the people involved. To run in an Australian top is massive, it’s a pleasure to watch them do what they have done.”
Liam Cashin headed straight to Spain to compete after the event as he continues his breakout season, while Abigail Thomas is set to head to college in America to continue her running.
The success of Western Athletics athletes in the last week isn’t limited to the Oceania Championships.
Amy Cashin, who was competing in America, won her 3000 metre steeplechase event and beat her previous best time to set a new club record, which she previously held.
Her time is a qualifying time for both the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Peter Cashin said they knew Amy could run a time like that, it was about being able to have the opportunity.
The race was full of quality athletes, including Tokyo silver medallist Courtney Frerichs.
