Junior worlds dream alive for Estlick

MACKENZIE Estlick has continued to press her case for a spot on the Australian team for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships later this year with a bold showing at the national championships in Brisbane.

The 17-year-old from Bacchus Marsh finished fourth in the 100m final in a time of 11.70 seconds, won by Queenslander Zara Hogan.

Ballarat’s Grace Crowe took out the silver medal.

Despite coming up just short of a medal in her pet event, Estlick did not emerge empty-handed.

She secured gold as part of Victoria’s triumphant 4x100m relay team.

Joined by Crowe, fellow Ballarat athlete Armani Anderson and Charlotte Neilsen, the quartet demolished the previous championship record with a run of 44.93 seconds, finishing nearly two seconds ahead of the rest of the field.

For Estlick, who in March clinched the state under-20 100m crown, the championships were another valuable learning curve.

“It was an amazing experience; QSAC is my favourite track,” she said.

“The weather was perfect every day which made for perfect running conditions.

 

 

“I won’t lie, I was a little disappointed not to medal in the 100m after having come first in my heat and second in the semi.

“Realistically I knew I wouldn’t come first, but I was hoping for a second or third.

“Fourth is still a fantastic achievement and I did run three world junior qualifying times throughout the weekend.”

Estlick said a gold medal and championship record in the relay was a fantastic way to end the championships.

“We were excited going in to this as we knew we had a strong team and a chance of winning,” she said.

“Our time was 44.93. We were also close to claiming the national record which is 44.34,” she said.

“I absolutely love competing in relays. They are always so much fun and you get to run with your friends.”

Her three world junior qualifying times, highlighted by the 11.60 in her heat win, have Estlick still firmly in the picture for the championships, to be staged in Eugene, Oregon, later this year.

“I don’t think I will get an individual spot in the 100m but I am hoping that I will be selected for the relay team,” she said.

“I would give anything to be able to wear the green and gold and represent my country.

“That’s what I have been working towards for the last three years.

Estlick’s nationals appearance came hot on the heels of her invitation to compete at the Maurie Plant Meet, Australia’s premier one-day athletics event, held at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne.

It was an experience like no other for the humble teenager.

“This would hands down have to be the best experience of my life to date,” Estlick said.

“The atmosphere was electric and competing against some of the best in the country was amazing.

“It wasn’t my best run but I placed sixth overall.

“The highlight for me was meeting all the kids after the race and signing autographs.”