Athletes Liam Moss and Kayla Lemm win 400m races at 2020 Camden Classic meet
Runner Liam Moss had a trick up his sleeve – or shoes for that matter – when a bit of luck helped him take out the 400m Camden Classic and $4000 prize money on Sunday.
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Liam Moss always makes sure he wears his lucky shoe laces when he competes in amateur and professional running – sometimes with mixed results.
But Sunday those laces worked a treat as Moss, 22, stormed home to take out the men’s 400m Camden Classic at Immanuel College, this time sporting a pair of black and white laces.
Moss, off 26m, held out Deng Bulabek (27m) and Bradley Harvey (37m) to win in 46.98 seconds.
A relieved Moss, who also runs with Pembroke Athletics Club, said he was always confident he could pull off something special.
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“I really had to stay disciplined but it was hard work,” Moss said.
“The thing is if you go too hard in your heat you tend to blow up. In the final I knew I had to get in front of Deng.
“I knew if I could kick I could do it and I was able to. Wearing my black and white laces was a big help. Now they might have to be retired at the end of the season.
“And full credit to my team, they did wonders.’’
Moss will now focus on competing at various amateur events for the rest of the season.
For 23-year-old Eden Hills athlete Kayla Lemm it was a case of familiarity which helped her cross the line as the women’s 400m classic winner.
She held out Ella Byrne (41m) and Hettie Driscoll (57m) in the run to the line.
Lemm has run the classic four times for three placings but was focused on standing on top of the podium after this year’s final.
“I have the run race a few times so I knew what it was all about,” Lemm said.
“I think the key for me was to stay relaxed. In past years the nerves and pressure got to me but this time I stayed calm. I just didn’t want to give it up. I have really wanted the Camden Classic from the start.’’
Lemm has enjoyed success in the past six weeks with a second in the women’s Bay Sheff behind Helena Schwerdt and a victory in the women’s 120m Maryborough Gift (Victoria) on New Year’s Day.
Both winners picked up $4000 with total prizemoney for both events $7000.
Athlete of the meet was won by Xavier Poole after impressing in under-18 events.