Ron Lane
Weightlifting
In the words of coach Woogie Marsh, “A culmination of two years of training and competition, culminates an impressive performance.” The athlete of whom he speaks is our Noosa Junior weightlifter Taj Marsh and the event was the World Junior Weightlifting Championships in Guadalajara Mexico.
In a field that can only be described as fierce competition from some of the world’s finest junior weightlifters, the exceptional performance of this young athlete saw him placed in 17th position overall. When you consider that this was a result of just two years solid training, (in a sport that gets little or no media attention), his accomplishment is not only a testament to his skill and determination, but also a promising indication of his potential for future success.
Taj left a lasting impression by securing his best total of the season at 305kg: with an impressive snatch of 136kg and a clean and jerk of 169kg.
“Looking ahead, Taj is eager to build on his achievements, and aims to further improve his world ranking in the upcoming 2024 season. With one more year remaining in the junior ranks Taj aspires to leave no stone unturned as he continues his training routine.” Embarking on his journey towards the next milestone his eyes are set on the 2024 World Junior Weightlifting Championships.
With his tough training routine and his burning passion for the sport, his goal is to surpass his previous achievements’: thus, making a significant impact on the global weightlifting stage. With the upcoming season commencing in mid- February 2024, the Oceanic Championships will be the first major competition on Taj’s schedule. With Taj representing his country he is poised to demonstrate his talent, discipline, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Taj’s attitude to not only his life in general, but also his pursuit of excellence, inspires fellow weightlifters and also serves as a beacon of hope for our young athletes throughout this great nation. “His story exemplifies the rewards that come with hard work, resilience and a steady-fast commitment to one’s goals.”
The dedication, combined with his exceptional talent is sure to make waves in the weightlifting world for seasons to come. Despite his success his feet are still firmly placed on mother earth. He always extends his heart-felt thanks to all individuals that have supported him throughout his journey thus far.
He also expresses his gratitude to The Chartits, CrossFit 4566 Noosa Barbell Club, Virus Oceanic, Noosa SUP Co, Integrated Rehab Centre, Noosa Heads Surf Club, the Sports Hall of Fame, and Elanem Clinical Nutrition. Their unwavering support, guidance and contribution has played a significant role . He acknowledges their invaluable assistance along his path to success.
Away from the world of weights Taj makes his contribution to the community by serving as a patrol member of Patrol 4 Main Beach Noosa Head Surf Lifesaving Club. His father and coach Woogie Marsh, is also on the coaching panel of the Noosa Nippers.
When you consider, that in this country weightlifting is a sport that only gets media and support during the Olympics, the support that it’s athletes do get, is justly deserved. So, it is only right that the team at Noosa Today, plus all sponsors involved, receive public acknowledgment for ongoing support of the athletes of our community. Thank you one and all.
Rowing .
For the Noosa Heads SLSC the boat section has indeed a very busy rowing season ahead. Under the control of boat Captain Adam Hammersley, this section which was formed in 1949, has a very proud record in competition. At present, all indications are that on the weekend of the 15-18 Feburary at the Australian Surf Rowers League Championships, (to be held at Lawn Vic.) the club will have some 8 crews in the water.
This is indeed good news. The good work being done by the boat coaches Stu Cooper, Dave Tomba and Mick Gardner is starting to show fruition: and the timing could not be better. The fact that Netanya Noosa has come on board as the major sponsor, donating a new boat has been a tremendous step forward and we cannot thank the Netanya people enough.
Apart from donation of the boat the fact that boat rowing is a team sport which requires a crew of 5 plus the support group, is of the utmost importance in surf club life. It builds team spirit and in many instances life- long mateship.
On February 27 at Maroochydore, an invitation only surf boat carnival will be held. The purpose of this to pick teams from all divisions, that will represent Queensland in interstate competition. Also, on the boat agender, is the 3rd round of the Queensland Cup.
At present Noosa has a total of 12 crews registered: 2 junior girls 2 junior boys and in the 23 division 2 crews, I girls and1 boys. For reserve grade its I girls and 1 boy’s followed by 2 master crews.
On a less serious note, a certain sweep noted for his hard nose attitude regarding training, found to his embarassment, (but the joy of the crew,) that he went for an unexpected swim during training in the Noosa Bar.
To our local people who were fishing and swimming in this vicinity, your laughter and applause has been so noted: and we thank you sincerely.
Outriggers
The paddlers from Noosa Outriggers are getting geared up for a big day of paddling at Shorncliffe this Saturday. The club is sending a total of eighteen crews to compete at the Polynesian Va’a-Alo Outrigger Canoe club. There will be competitors right through from the Juniors to the Platinum Division.(70 yrs. and up).
This competition will be a great tune up for our paddlers heading south for the Sydney Harbour Challenge later in the year. This is a club that is definitely on the move: their competition calendar is full. Perhaps one of their strongest points, is the support being shown to junior members in the club. This plus their attitude toward the history and traditions of the sport, can only serve to establish a strong and successful club.
Surf sports.
Last weekend at Maroubra Beach, Noosa’s Kai Thompson competing in the Super Surf League Beach Flags Events, on Saturday and Sunday, won both. And this was against the best in the country. His performance, over several seasons must now rate him one of the best beach competitors to ever represent Noosa.
Meanwhile back home at Coolum Beach the Noosa Surfboard Riding Team won the overall point score at the Queensland State Championships: Noosa 136 points, Coolum 60 and Maroochydore 57
The surf competition this weekend, will be very busy with two major carnivals. For our locals on the Sunshine coast the Surf Rescue Championships will be held at Mooloolaba: and this is always a great carnival.
Also at Manly NSW, a very testing weekend of competition, known as the Summer of Surf will be held. This is always considered one of the major carnivals and the competition is always top of the surfing world.
In a separate incident, last Sunday, the Nutri Grain Series was finished for the day. Rated number one in the series, Lana Rogers, was being interviewed by a journo, when all of a sudden, the mass rescue alarm of Rescue, Rescue, Rescue, was called. Without a moment’s hesitation, Rogers turned, ran across the sand, grabbed a rescue board and joined other clubbies to assist where needed. This shows that this young lady is no prima donna: she is also a clubbie, who goes where needed in a moment of crisis. Well done young lady, well done.
