After 3 days of fierce competition at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast NSW’s Ben Devries and Queensland’s Hannah Pollock have claimed their maiden victories at Super Sprint Race Weekend.
With the temperature was rising, so too was the intensity on the course, with blistering finishes and tight tussles across the board as the athletes competed hard from start to finish to claim that all elusive title of Youth and Junior Australian Champion.
It was a story of resilience for Devries, who showed true grit and determination to fight his way back into the contest and ultimately reign supreme.
“I thought I was done, I was cooked. I sat up and had to take a few deep breaths. I ran out last in transition which wasn’t ideal, but then first lap built into it. Got myself to the front. And I just sent it. In that last lap I couldn’t really feel my legs.”
The moment was made even more special for Devries, knowing that his former teammate, Jack Caldwell had also won the year before.
“I’m just happy to bring the title back to NSW, Jack Caldwell got it last year. We just bleed blue.”
For Hannah Pollock the disappointment of falling short in previous outings made her even hungrier for success this time around.
“You need to be knocked down a few times, it keeps you a bit hungry. I’ve definitely been hungry for the win. So being out of reach a few times has driven me to want to be on that top step.
“I’ve been doing it for a few years and haven’t quite got the win ever. I’ve been on the podium a few times, so it was really nice to take the tape.”
Western Australia had one of their largest showings at Super Sprint, with under 23, Christophe Gardner crossing the line first in the Junior Men’s final, to be named the Super Sprint champion for the weekend crediting his statesman for their teamwork and game plan.
“Team WA have been shaping up quite well lately. There was myself, Ivan Nagel and Josh Fletcher. We came up with a good race plan beforehand and we just wanted to work together.
“We’ve got really strong juniors and they’re all shaping up really well. Getting out on the run I was happy to see all 3 of us.”
The weekend saw plenty of exciting talent reach new heights and cement themselves as real contenders for years to come.
Daniel Glasper impressed throughout his race to be crowned as the Youth Boys champion while fellow Queenslander, Eliza Bulger made her mark winning the Youth Girls division in what was another strong showing for Queensland.
It was an incredibly sweet moment for Bulger who noted her desire and passion to get back and work even harder after being disqualified earlier in the year and missing finals.
“This year I’ve come back stronger and more determined and it means the world to have won.”
Meanwhile, for 14-year-old Glasper, this moment was incredibly special in realising that all his hard work had paid off.
“So exciting to get my first Aussie Champs title. I’ve worked for this since I was 7 years’ old. It’s so good after this many years to finally get it.
Click here for the full table of results.
Photos by: Bec Ohlwein
