Chelsea Scolyer continues to dominate Tasmanian athletics

A rising star of Tasmanian athletics has claimed two state records in one weekend in results which even shocked her. Here’s why.

It was a record breaking weekend for Chelsea Scolyer.

Chelsea Scolyer is fast.

But she’s even surprising herself with her current form.

On the weekend, the 17-year-old caught the eye of the athletics world as she broke through to claim the Tasmanian 100m open women’s record in a time of 11.50s (+0.3) at the Capitol Athletics State Track and Field Championships in Canberra.

In doing so, she took out the under-20 race and now has all the 100m Tasmanian records from under-13s to open to her name.

But she wasn’t done there after running a 24.02s (+1.3) in the 200m to claim another state record and World Junior qualifier time.

It’s fair to say the Turners Beach teenager was a little shocked.

“The past few days have been quite the shock,” she told this masthead.

“My reaction at the end of the 100m was a little delayed because sometimes the clock can round up a bit once all the results are being finalised. I was a little worried I might have got the time I did.

“I’ve just been super focused during the last few months, training every day, sometimes twice a day.

“It’s been all about baby steps and getting the qualifying times I needed, the records are a nice reward as well.

“I’m extremely thankful for the support I’ve received from everyone.”

It was a record breaking weekend for Chelsea Scolyer.

Scolyer said she was more surprised by her 200m run given she was still recovering from her remarkable effort a day earlier.

She had own broken the previous state record about a week earlier.

“My legs were quite heavy and sore if I’m honest,” she said.

“But I knew my training had helped me prepare to compete like this. I don’t think I could have been any happier with how I ran.”

With school now returning from holidays, Scolyer said she would have a different training schedule in coming weeks.

Her calendar will be a busy one in the coming months with the Adelaide Track Classic, Tasmanian State Championships and National Championships among those on her radar.

Scolyer was also quick to sing the praises of other Tasmanian athletes who competed at the same event.

Jacob Despard took out the open men’s 100m finals while Jack Hale took out the section two event.

Alex McKillop (T36) finished second in the open men’s para 100m before winning gold in the multi-class open men’s para finals with both times a PB.

Laura McShane finished sixth in the open women’s 400m.

Husband and wife Kiara and Simon Calvert ran personal bests in their respective 100m events.

Will Bottle claimed a World Junior qualifying time in the 10,000m race walk.

Originally published as Chelsea Scolyer continues to dominate Tasmanian athletics