Australia add 20 athletes to Lyon 2013 squad

Brad Scott, Michael Roeger, Scott Reardon, Angela Ballard and Madison de Rosario are among those headed to the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships. 29 Apr 2013
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Brad Scott

Australia's Brad Scott of Australia celebrates winning silver in the men's 1,500m T37 at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

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By Athletics Australia

The 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships will be held from 20-28 July in Lyon.

The Australian charge toward the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships has stepped up a gear, with Athletics Australia selectors on Monday (29 April), confirming the addition of 20 athletes to the green and gold contingent bound for Lyon, France.

Set to join the five London 2012 medallists who were preselected earlier in the domestic athletics season, the now confirmed starters were considered at the conclusion of the Qantas Australian Athletics Championships.

“The athletes added were considered at the conclusion of the Nationals, and in accordance with the selection process all athletes that had an AA ‘A’ or AA ‘B’ qualifier were considered,” said Dion Russell, the Athletics Australia Chairman of Selectors.

“Understanding that Athletics Australia are yet to receive the final allocation of quota spots from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the selectors have decided to name all athletes with an AA ‘A’ Qualifier at this time, as well as four athletes who have an AA ‘B’ Qualifier and a medal from the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

“This now leaves a pool of athletes with AA ‘B’ Qualifiers and following the release of quota spots on 27 May and the final selectors meeting on 3 June we will be able to confirm a team that we hope will be bigger and more successful than London.”

Selected on the basis of their recent Athletics Australia ‘A’ Qualifying performance are the following male athletes: Gabriel Cole, Guy Henly, Rheed McCracken, Simon Patmore, Scott Reardon, Michael Roeger, Brad Scott, Russell Short, Dion Kenzie and Jayden Sawyer.

Female athletes selected include: Angela Ballard, Carlee Beattie, Madison de Rosario, Madeleine Hogan, Rosemary Little and Katherine Proudfoot.

Joining them after winning a medal at London 2012 and achieving an Athletics Australia ‘B’ Qualifier are Matt Cameron, Richard Nicholson, Louise Ellery and Christie Dawes.

“To run in the green and gold is always an amazing opportunity, it is something that I have loved in the past and after the start to the year that I have had so far this could be my biggest opportunity to do something big yet,” said Reardon, who equalled the world record in the 100m for his T42 class earlier this month.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what I am capable of. My coach Iryna (Dvoskina) and I didn’t aim to peak during the domestic season, it was about ticking the boxes required by the selection criteria, and the times I achieved were something I am really proud of. When we aim to run quickly I am sure I will be in realistic contention for the gold medal in the 100m.

“The road to Lyon starts here. I will be based in Brisbane for four weeks from the 25 May and then will be home to Canberra for a few days before heading to Nottwill about a fortnight ahead of when the official team camp starts. As to when I will compete, I’m not yet sure but it is going to be a busy few months preparing.”

Australia’s athletics delegation won 27 medals at London 2012, including five golds, nine silvers and 13 bronze.

At the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Australian team won eight golds, eight silvers and seven bronze.

The 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships will be held from 20-28 July in Lyon.

It is the second time France will play host to the event after Lille welcomed the world in 2002.

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