Boras claims bronze in Colombia

ATHLETICS Chilwell athlete, Manifold Heights resident and Australian triple jumper Tiana Boras has shocked the field to claim a bronze medal at the World Athletics Under 20 Championships.

The 17-year-old was ranked 13th heading into the sixth and final day of the world championships in Cali, Colombia, but completed a 13.30m jump to claim a spot on the podium, breaking the Australian Under 18 record in the process.

“It feels crazy, I could never have imagined this experience. I was ranked 13th!” Boras said post-event.

“With my first jump I just went with a bang and gave it my all, the conditions were so amazing, and the track is super-fast.

“I knew I had more in me, but I struggled with soreness from competing the day before.”

Boras’ jump saw her challenge a litany of records.

Her jump was an Oceania Under 18 record and a Victorian U18 record (Boras already holds under 15, 16 & 17 record).

Boras fell six centimetres short of the Australian Under 20 triple jump record, but the result saw her rise in the ranking to third for Australian Under 20 triple jumpers.

In addition to setting two personal best jumps, 13.14m (qualifying) and 13.30m (final), Boras is eligible to compete at the Under 20 Worlds again next time in Peru 2024 hoping to improve her numbers.

Boras’ father Joe said Tiana has been on the track at Athletics Chilwell since Under 8’s and has been committed to her craft ever since.

“I don’t even know what to say,” Mr Boras said.

“She’s been working extremely hard and devotes all of her time in trying to achieve her best, it’s sensational and we’re just over the moon for her and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead of her.

“One of the things you don’t know is that Australians are actually disadvantaged in these competitions, because while athletes like Tiana are training during the off-season in the wet and cold, other athletes around the world are approaching the end of the seasons, so she had to really prepare for it.”

Athletics Chilwell committee member Mary McDonald said the club was extremely proud of her, keeping up to date with how Boras performed in her events.

“We were absolutely so excited for her,” Ms McDonald said.

“Given her ranking, it was just a complete surprise to see her do so well.

“She’s been with us for a long time, so we’re just super excited and happy for her and all the hard work and training she’s put in over the years.”