WATCH: Top five athletes to watch during the exclusive live stream of the Brighton Gift Athletics Carnival

A rising star and a veteran of athletics are just a few of the top athletes to watch during our exclusive live stream of the Brighton Gift this Sunday. See the list here.

Aidan Ross after winning his race at the 2020 pre-Bay Sheffield. Ross is one to watch at this weekend’s Brighton Gift, which will be exclusively live streamed by The Advertiser. Picture: Supplied, SAAL

Some of SA’s sprint stars are set for their final hit out before the state’s richest footrace and all the action will be live streamed by The Advertiser.

The South Australian Atheltic League’s Brighton Gift carnival will be broadcast live on Sunday from 12pm as athletes from around the country showcase their skills.

It follows The Advertiser and The Messenger’s exclusive live streaming of last month’s Kensington Gift meet.

SAAL president Colin Rowston said this weekend’s carnival was the last chance athletes had to finetune for the state’s richest foot race, the Bay Sheffield, which will be hosted later this month at Glenelg Oval.

“The Brighton Gift has been the traditional last race before the Bay Sheffield and it’s a very important race meeting on our calendar,” Rowston said.

“The form from that race meeting holds up really well when it comes down to the Bay Sheffield.

“So this is their last chance before then to test themselves against their competition.”

Rowston said the live stream would give relatives and friends who may not be able attend the race a chance to watch SA’s best athletes.

“It’s a bit like Caulfield Cup is in the lead up to the Melbourne Cup,” Rowston said.

“The live stream we’ve been able to have at Kensington and now Brighton is probably the best publicity our sport has ever had.

“We are so excited to partner with The Advertiser to provide supporters of the sport and others a chance to see what the sport can offer.”

We have put together a list of five athletes to watch at the Brighton Gift carnival.

SEBASTIAN BAIRD

24 years old

70m men, 120m men

The 2018 Loxton Gift winner has twice narrowly missed out on the Bay Sheffield final (2015 and 2017).

Sebastian Baird after winning the 2018 Loxton Gift. Picture: Supplied, SAAL

But he is no stranger to winning, having claimed the Brighton Gift in 2015.

Baird put in an eye-catching performance in the 120m final at last weekend’s pre-Bay Sheffield to finish third and is certainly one to watch this weekend.

He can stamp himself as a leading local chance in the 2020 Bay Sheffield with a strong showing at Brighton.

HOLLY BEECHAM

22 years old

120m women

Rising athlete Holly Beecham. Picture: Supplied, SAAL

Beecham is the state women’s sprint champion and only joined the SAAL this season.

She won her first race over 70m at Marion.

Beecham competed over the 120m distance at Kensington and finished close up in the final. She appears in great shape and is all class.

As she continues to compete more often on grass in handicapped conditions, she will only get better.

AIDAN ROSS

17 years old

Under-18 boys, 400m, 400m men, 1000m men

Aidan Ross. Picture: SAAL

Ross is an exciting young talent who won last weekend’s 550m under-18 boys race at the pre-Bay Sheffield meet.

That was despite giving away a big headstart to all runners.

The youngster will come up against men twice his age in two of his events at the Brighton Gift.

But he is more than capable of being competitive and even winning.

STEVE MCBAIN

53 years old

400m men

Steve McBain (in front) winning over 300m at the 2020 Kensington Gift. Picture: Supplied, SAAL

McBain was SA’s leading sprinter for more than a decade during the 1980s and 1990s.

He was also more than competitive on the national stage at the time.

But following many years being plagued by injuries, the veteran has turned back the clock this season, showing a glimpse of the form he enjoyed during his younger years.

McBain prevailed in the 300m men’s race at the Kensington Gift and will line up again to compete against younger opponents over 400m at Brighton.

ROSA TWYFORD

18 years old

400m women, 1000m women/over 35

Rosa Twyford (front) Picture: Supplied, SAAL

Twyford has been a shinning light this season in the middle distance women’s ranks.

She won the 800m and the 550m races at Marion and again at the pre-Bay Sheffield meets.

The rising star will no doubt continue to be a force to be reckoned with at both Brighton and at the Bay Sheffield, which is coming up later this month.