Australia's Olympic bronze medallists are on-form 'down-under'

Olympic Race Walking bronze medallists Nathan Deakes and Jane Saville both achieved World Championship A-qualifying standards to win the men’s and women’s 20km walks at the Canberra Telstra A-series, held today at Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australia (Sunday 6th Feb).

MEN - Deakes has Race Walking Challenge in his sights

Deakes won the men’s event with ease, clocking 1:19:22, a new meet record, the second fastest time ever recorded by an Australian in Australia, behind Victorian Dave Smith’s 1:19.22 in Hobart in 1987.

Jarred Tallent was second with 1:25.53 for second place, ahead of Adam Rutter in third with 1:26.14.

Deakes who now goes for an altitude training trip will next be in action at the Telstra A-championships in Sydney (March 4-6th), before heading overseas to race in two IAAF Race Walking Challenge meets, Tijuana on 20 March and Rio Major on 2 April 2005.

WOMEN - Saville wins close 20km tussle

The women’s 20km was a close battle for the lead, with Jane Saville taking victory in 1:33.07. Nipping at Saville’s heels was Olympian Cheryl Webb, who also achieved the World Championships A-standard, crossing the line in 1:33.14. Third and fourth placers Natalie Saville and Simone Wolowiec achieved the World Championships B-standard, clocking 1:36.19 and 1:37.14 respectively.

Athletics Australia