JSS nominee and hurdler Tiana Death back on top in NSW after 18-month injury setback

THE state’s top ranked female hurdler in the under-17 age group Tiana Death is making a powerful comeback after recovering from a season-ending injury for the last two seasons.

Tiarna Death is our Junior Sports Star nominee. Pictures: Peter Kelly

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THE state’s top ranked female hurdler in the under-17 age group Tiana Death is making a powerful comeback after recovering from a season-ending injury for the last two seasons.

The Kellyville teenager — Australia’s top ranked junior hurdler in 2013 — been working hard with personal and conditioning trainers following her stress fracture 18 months ago,

This week’s nominee for the Junior Sports Star Award is now eyeing selection for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane and judging by her potential, it could be within reach.

Tiana Death is eyeing a spot at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The 15-year-old’s best results this year have been her bronze in the 100m hurdles at Australian Nationals in Perth in March, following her impressive comeback win in the same event at the NSW Junior Championships the previous month.

“I had been out of athletics for 18 months until February this year after suffering a stress fracture so I am glad to be back in competition,” said Tiana, whose athletic idol is Olympic hurdling champion Sally Pearson.

Tiana Death is the top ranked under-17 hurdler in the NSW.

“It was very disappointing when I could not train or compete as I hate it when I am not training.

“But I am really happy to win the NSW under-17 100m hurdles title and be the top rankled hurdler in our state.

“I was not expecting to win the NSW title because I was coming off an injury and the distance was raised from 90m to 100m.

Tiana Death has a lot of potential.

Hurdler Tiana Death with team-mates at the nationals.

Tiana with her bronze medal at the 2016 nationals.

“I am also very pleased to have been accepted in Athletics NSW’s Local Target Talent Program.

“(Rio Olympics-bound 100m hurdler) Michelle Jenneke has also been very helpful to me with tips.”

The William Clarke College student trains five times a week in addition to having strength and conditioning training at Clean Shred, Castle Hill.

Tiana Death is working hard on her fitness after recovering from a stress fracture.

“My next main events will be Combined Independent Schools championships in September and the all schools competitions later in the year,” Tiana said.

■ The Juniors Sports Star awards are sponsored by Rebel.

■ To nominate a young athlete, team or a club volunteer, visit: juniorsportstar.com.au