Toowoomba athlete prepares for Australian track and field finals

Toowoomba athlete Brielle Erbacher knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles but her next challenge – the Australian track and field titles – will be her biggest challenge to date.

Toowoomba steeplechase athlete Brielle Erbacher (right) negotiates a water obstacle.

ATHLETICS: Obstacles and hurdles are nothing new to Brielle Erbacher – as a steeplechase runner she faces them every time she races.

Lacing up for the 3km Steeplechase at the Australian Track and Championships, Erbacher will face the usual obstacles and a red hot field of athletes all chasing the elusive Commonwealth Games qualification time.

“There is a whole bunch of us girls chasing the 9.30 Commonwealth Games time,” Erbacher said.

“I‘d basically need to run a second quicker a lap based on my last race (9.39 in Melbourne).”

Despite the task ahead of her, Erbacher carries a degree of form and confidence into the race.

“I felt pretty good before the (Melbourne Track Classic) race, but you never really know until you start racing,” Erbacher said.

Toowoomba steeplechase athlete Brielle Erbacher

“It (the race) was a good steady past, maybe a little quick, and I just tucked myself into the field behind the leaders.

“With about 600m to go I was feeling pretty good, saw my chance, kicked on and was able to hold on for the win.”

One thing Erbacher will not have to worry before her race next Thursday is her preparation and travel.

Three years after Erbacher shared the story of how she and her mother and coach Jody would drive to Sydney and Melbourne ahead of major races – a Toowoomba business is still paying for the pair to travel.

“Neil (Mansell) is a great bloke,” Erbacher said.

“He still pays for my mother and I to fly to meet.

“I can’t thank him enough for his support – it means so much to me.

“I have so much more energy when I race now because of it.”