Athletics Australia have announced the Australian Marathon team for London 2012. Sending the full compliment of 3 women; Jessica Trengove, Lisa Weightman & Benita Willis, and 3 men; Michael Shelley, Martin Dent & Jeff Hunt. It is a welcome return for Australian marathon running to have the full team of 6 runners after sending only 4 athletes to both the Beijing Olympics in 2008 & Athens Olympics in 2004. With many believing Australian long distance running is making a resurgence in popularity & competitiveness this is a welcome step on to the world stage.
It is an experienced women’s team with 2012 marking the 4th Olympic campaign for Benita Willis (nee Johnson), the 2nd for Lisa Weightman, with exciting Olympic debutant Jessica Trengove an indication of the growing strength of Australian running and sensible selections by Athletics Australia. Sensationally Trengove ran her qualifying time of in 2:31:02 in Nagoya, Japan in her debut marathon in March.
While all very experienced athletes, the men’s team of Michael Shelley, Martin Dent & Jeff Hunt will all be making their Olympic debut in London, yet boast an impressive running CV including the 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medal. The team will follow in the footsteps of Lee Troop (3 time Olympian 2000-2008), Steve Moneghetti (4 time Olympian, 1988-2000) and Robert de Castella (World Champion, WR holder, dual Commonwealth games Gold medallist 82 & 86, & 4 time Olympian 1980-1992).
The women’s marathon will be run on Sunday 5th August with the men’s race on the final day of competition, on Sunday 12th August.
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