Big names set to light up Victorian Athletics Championships

From Olympic heroes to local stars, these are the key figures to keep an eye on at the Victorian Track and Field Championships this weekend.

Some of Australia’s best athletics stars will be on display at the Victorian Track and Field Championships this weekend.

After the juniors hit Lakeside Stadium last weekend, now it’s time for the big guns to put on a show.

Here are some of the top contenders to keep an eye on.

Hana Basic, Collingwood

The 2021 national champion will compete in the 100m women’s event and will be among the top athletes to keep an eye on.

Jamie Blackburn, Ivanhoe

A promising middle distance and cross country runner, the year 12 student will be looking for a breakthrough victory in the under-20 men’s 3000m.

Thomas Byrne, Mentone

Specialises in the 400m hurdles but will also compete in the under-20 men’s 200m. Don’t be surprised if he wins gold in the hurdles.

Aliyah Canepa, Western Athletics

It’s an exciting weekend for Canepa who is set to compete at the state titles for the first time. She’ll take part in the women’s hammer throw with her first target a new personal best.

Liam Cashin, Western Athletics

Cashin is continuing to improve on his return from a three-month injury last year. He was the 2022 Oceania gold medallist in the steeplechase.

Wolfgang Cotra-Nemesi is an exciting young talent.

Wolfgang Cotra-Nemesi, Collingwood

The rising star out of Collingwood was the state champion in the under-18 800m and 1500m last year and is preparing to step up to the under-20s. But he’ll only be able to run the 1500mm this weekend due to scheduling clashes. His personal best for the 1500m is 3:48.20.

Haddi El Shorbagy, Mentone

A force of the field events. El Shorbagy will be right in medal contention for the under-20 boys javelin and shot put.

Alexander Gibson, Mentone

One of the highest ranked contenders in the under-20 800m but will also run the 1500m.

Claudia Hollingsworth, Mentone

Hollingsworth represented Australia at the World Junior Championships last year in the 1500m but will also be a contender in the 800m. She has a personal best of 2:01.6 in the 800m and 4:10.61 in the 1500m.

Alex Linke will battle against much more experienced athletes.

Alex Linke, Ivanhoe

At just 17, Linke will contest the under-20 men’s 800m this weekend. Personally, he’s aiming to break the two-minute barrier for the first time.

Janae Mackrell, Western Athletics

Expect Mackrell to push herself towards a final in the open 1500m.

Ethan McMinimee, Western Athletics

McMinimee is expected to push for a place in the open 1500m final but will be aiming for a place on the podium.

Morgan Mitchell, Western Athletics

The two-time Olympian will be among the favourites in the 800m women’s event.

Jemma Montag, Melbourne University

An Olympian in 2020, Montag will be right at the front in the 5000m walk. She is a six-time Ocean race walking champion.

Ethan Reilly, Western Athletics

Might be new to athletics, but coaches have been impressed with his development and will run in the under-20 men’s 800m.

Perrin Theocharides will compete in the open 100m event for the first time.

Perrin Theocharides, Ivanhoe

Set to compete in the open men’s 100m first time with the goal of moving closer to breaking the 11s barrier.

Ned Weatherley, Frankston

Weatherley enters the competition in strong form after winning the national and Oceania hammer throw titles.

Robert Weitsz, Western Athletics

Every chance to be in medal contention for the men’s 800m if he reaches the final.