The 2015 World University Games started today in Gwangju, South Korea. With 34 Australian athletes competing, it is sure to be a great competition for all involved. Athletics runs over a five day period, from the 8th to the 12th of July.
The first of two days for the men’s decathlon kicked off on day one of competition with David Brock (VIC) and Kyle Cranston (NSW) taking part. The first event of the competition was the 100m where Kyle ran 11.29 and David ran 11.17. In the Long Jump, both athletes ran into a small headwind. Kyle with the his furthest jump of 6.63m and David with a 6.90m. They then moved onto Shot Put. Where Kyle threw 13.44m and David just in front, with his furthest throwing measuring 13.47m.
With the morning session complete, the boys then had quite a large break, before heading to the High Jump. Kyle cleared 1.95m and David 1.92m. After a full on day of competition, they then moved to their last even of the day, the 400m. Both athletes once again finished only miliseconds apart, Kyle 51.20 and David 51.22.
Now that day one has finished, the boys will rest up and prepare for their second, and final, day of competition. Tomorrow they have the 110m hurdles, Discus, Pole Vault, Javelin and finishing with the 1500m.
Like the decathletes, Ashleigh Whittaker (VIC) also has quite a large program, with heats and potential finals of both the 100m and 200m events. First up was the 100m, where she cruised home to a victory in her heat, with a time of 11.50. She progresses through to the semi-final, which takes place on day two of competition.
Tom Gamble (QLD) and Jin Su Jung (NSW) both had their heats of the 100m. Jin flew home in a personal best time of 10.27 to win his heat. Tom also won his heat with a 10.47. Both athletes progress to the semi-final on day two.
Alex Beck (QLD) ran a time of 47.93 to place second in the 400m and qualify for the semi-final.
Alix Kennedy (NSW) and Taryn Gollshewsky (QLD) both competed in the discus throw on day one. Alix was up first and threw 46.88m, placing 10th and unfortunately won’t progress. Next up was Taryn, who qualified with a longest throw of 54.47m and placing 2nd in here qualifying group.
Queensland athlete Naa Anang (QLD) had a furthest jump of 6.29, which meant she qualified for the next round and finished second in her qualifying group.
Our two distance athletes for the day, Adrian Plummer (NSW) and James Hansen (VIC), both lined up on the start line for the first round of the 1500m. James was first to compete of them both, and finished in 4th place with a time of 3:53.14. Adrian was in the final of the three heats and came 10th with a 3:54.33. Unfortunately, none of our aussies progress to the next round.
