To gain a place in the Australian team for the 2024 Paris Olympics requires a bigger effort then just winning at the national titles.
For example, later this month two of our Noosa athletes, Zane Branco and Kristie Edwards, will again head to Europe chasing competition in a plan to increase their world ranking position.
These trips are self-funded but necessary, in the way the IAAF world ranking works. For example, if you wish to qualify for the 100m in the Olympics there are 56 spots available and for the long jumps, 32 spots. Each country can send a maximum of three athletes per event so you need to be ranked top three in your country, but also top 52 in the world for the 100m or top 32 for long jump.
When you compete as an athlete in categorised competition, you receive ranking points for your performance, but also bonus points for your placing. Each standard of competition is categorised from level OW (Olympic World) being the highest down level, F, being the lowest. First place in an OW comp is worth 375 bonus ranking points and for F competition first place is worth 15 points.
The meaning of the OW reflects the strongest competitions and consequently awards the most points.
In Australia this is what bonus points first place will receive in competition: Australian Championships (B) 100 bonus points, Queensland Championships E 25 bonus points, Brisbane Shield competition F, 15 bonus points. Europe has much higher categorised competition due to closer proximity of countries, and also more prize money on offer for competitors.
The amount of prize money and number of international athletes competing, is a factor in how competitors are categorised. This is why so many of our talented young athletes, are making the pilgrimage to Europe during the Australian winter- at their own expense. The ranking system is indeed tough, as competitors can be expected to attend 4 or 5 events before they are recognised for the ranking system.
Another important factor regarding Olympic selection, is that a place in the top three at the Australian Championships, could lose out to a fourth or fifth because of the world ranking system. It is generally considered that to appear on the ranking system, five major competitions in 18 months should be attended. Unfortunately, the Australian qualification level is not as highly rated as the OW.
To give some idea as to the expenses for Noosa Athletics International representation, our two athletes Zane Branco and Kristie Edwards travelling to England to contest the (U23) National Championship in2022, did so at a cost of $4500 each. Prior to this in the early stages of their career (U20) in 2018 both contested (as Australian representatives) the World Athletics Championships Finland. They did so at a cost of $5500 each.
Detrimental financial aspects of amateur sport is that there is a significant number, getting little or no sponsorship. Admittedly, there are clubs that don’t understand or are not interested in marketing their people. Therefore, when committees are formed the position of marketing and public relations gets little or no attention: and in some cases, even treated as a joke.
As this is of the utmost importance, it should be fully addressed. A professional attitude, and appointment of the right personality, will open many doors and in particular, to the local media. In Noosa, we now have athletes in such sports as martial arts, track and field weightlifting and boxing, that are not only competing at international level, but also winning medals. This tells us that there are athletes with ability and personality to attract sponsorship.
Boxing
At the recent Oceania Championships held in Samoa, the Australian team consisting of 18 of our finest young boxers, came home with a total of 11 gold medals, five silver and one bronze. This medal tally made them the most successful team of the championships. But perhaps the most pleasing aspect was that Noosa’s two team members, Paige and Cohen Robinson, came home with medals.
In his report team coach Mark Evans, (Cooroy Impact Boxing Club) spoke highly of the performance of both members.
“Boxing in the 60 KG division Paige won the gold medal beating the current New Zealand champion. Paige boxed well in round one clearly out boxing her opponent from long range. Round 2 saw a big change from the New Zealand camp, with the Kiwi getting more aggressive. Round 3 and it was anyone’s fight, but some good combinations saw Paige get the nod.”
For Paige this was a gutsy performance. Prior to the tournament, her preparation had not been the best, as she had been carrying a back injury and Evans was close to pulling her from the tournament.
“Because she was fighting for her country, she insisted she was OK so, winning the gold was definitely something special.”
Cohen lost out in his final bout to the New Zealand champion, on a split decision. Round 1 saw Cohen box well to take the round. However, rounds 2 and 3 saw changes in tactics from the Kiwi camp with the Kiwi more aggressive using a solid walk- up approach.
However, Evans was more than pleased with Cohen’s performance.
“Despite losing on a split decision, it was his first international tournament, and all indications are that he has a great future. I am sure we will see him on the podium again real soon.”
Here yet again, is another example of our unknown young athletes, competing on an international level, and winning medals. Still, they remain unknown. To obtain sponsorship under the logo of a well-respected local business house, would do wonders for their career.
Rugby League
For Noosa Pirates Saturday was definitely a great day for the club. They won all four games, division 1 and 2 against Coolum, Women’s, against Gympie and U/19 against Caloundra.
But the highlight of the day was winning the inaugural Richter Cavanaugh Shield. This trophy is in memory of Sam Richter, former player and Pat Cavanaugh former principal at Coolum Primary School.
Prior to the kick-off, before the Division 1 main game, both teams Pirates and Coolum stood in line for a minute’s silence in respect to Julie Williams, the mother of former A grader Brendon Williams.
Her great support of the club was also duly noted.
Pirates also made the effort to show respect and say thanks to that vital grouped, who have come aboard as sponsors. Heartfelt thanks to one and all.
Our U/19s, against Caloundra, showed a great improvement right across the board. They held Caloundra throughout, with a halftime lead of 18-12. With 10 minutes to go it was 24-18 Pirates meaning it was still anyone’s game. However, good tight defence by our forward pack, when just 15m out gave us a 28-18 winning margin.
For the women, against Gympie, it was definitely their day.
However, up until the 22 minutes, Gympie was holding 6 all. But then Noosa changed their tactics and spread the ball out wide with good support running and the flood gates opened. Half time 32-6 Noosa. Second half saw them run riot, giving a full- time score of 76-6 (13 tries to 1).
In Division 2, Reserve Grade won with a final score of 24-6 against Coolum. Good feed to the backline saw half time 16—0 Pirates. Pirates support running, is becoming a feature of their games. With Coolum scoring late, final figures 24-6.
Noosa Pirates performed well against Coolum in Division1,winning 18-12. Scoring near the posts, Pirates opened the game, 6-0. Good attacking football from both with heavy defence was a big feature. A sweeping run from half way by Pirates, bought the score to 12-0. Minutes later, Harry Dwyer with a great run and dummy pass opened the opposition for him to score
Try converted, 18-0 Pirates. Second half saw Coolum open their score with a good attacking run on the left wing, bought the score to 18-4. This was followed by a short kick by Coolum in Pirates half, which resulted in a try by Coolum, 18-8 Pirates.
Then near full time: Coolum in again , final score 18-12. Coolum came home fast second half, with a good wide running back line. This was not so apparent in the first half. Good centre field play by Pirates : with good work from the front row. Good signs for the future.
This weekend. Home: vs Beerwah- As and Women, Kawana U/19 and Reserves
