Where Are The Aussies?

[Pete65]

I do not recall seeing an Australian competitor at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
Wonder why?

[ichkeria]

Perhaps you've not been watching the right events?
Collis Birmingham was in a heat of the 5000 for example, and according to the IAAF website there is a team of 30-40 athletes there.
It would be very odd if there weren't any Australians
and here is news of others:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-27/teenage-patterson-leads-aussie-charge-in-beijing/6730156

[Pete65]

Yes, it is very odd that there are hardly any Aussie competitors.
Today, I have watched quite a bit of the television coverage.
No Aussies apparent anywhere.

[ToraToraTora]

they are still whining over the ashes.

[Pete65]

I'm not a cricket man, Tora, so I shall take your word for that.

[Buenchico]

MEN
800m: Jeff Riseley (VIC), Joshua Ralph (NSW)
1500m: Ryan Gregson (VIC), Jeff Riseley (VIC)
5000m: Collis Birmingham (VIC), Brett Robinson (VIC)
3000m Steeplechase: James Nipperess (NSW)
110m Hurdles: Nicholas Hough (NSW)
High Jump: Joel Baden (VIC), Brandon Starc (NSW)
Long Jump: Fabrice Lapierre (NSW)
Discus Throw: Benn Harradine (QLD), Julian Wruck (QLD)
Javelin: Hamish Peacock (TAS)
20km Walk: Chris Erickson (VIC), Dane Bird-Smith (QLD), Jared Tallent (VIC)
50km Walk: Chris Erickson (VIC), Jared Tallent (VIC)
Masters 800m: Allan Cook (VIC)

WOMEN
100m: Melissa Breen (ACT)
200m: Ella Nelson (NSW)
400m: Anneliese Rubie (NSW)
1500m: Melissa Duncan (VIC), Heidi See (NSW)
5000m: Emily Brichacek (ACT), Madeline Heiner (NSW), Eloise Wellings (NSW)
3000m Steeplechase: Madeline Heiner (NSW), Genevieve LaCaze (VIC), Victoria Mitchell (NSW)
100m Hurdles: Michelle Jenneke (NSW)
400m Hurdles: Lauren Wells (ACT)
High Jump: Eleanor Patterson (VIC)
Pole Vault: Alana Boyd (QLD), Nina Kennedy (WA)
Long Jump: Brooke Stratton (VIC)
Discus Throw: Dani Samuels (NSW)
Javelin: Kim Mickle (WA), Kathryn Mitchell (VIC), Kelsey-Lee Roberts (ACT)
Marathon: Julia Degan (NSW), Sinead Diver (VIC), Sarah Klein (VIC)
20km Walk: Kelly Ruddick (VIC), Beki Smith (NSW), Rachel Tallent (VIC)
4x400m Relay: Jess Gulli (VIC), Morgan Mitchell (VIC), Lyndsay Pekin (WA), Anneliese Rubie (NSW),
Lauren Wells (ACT)
Masters 400m: Julie Forster (NSW), Gianna Mogentale (NSW)

Source:
http://athletics.com.au/Portals/56/Marketing%20and%20Communications/Documents/worldChampionshipsGuide2015_eBook.pdf

[Pete65]

I am afraid I do not watch lists of competitors.
I watched several events today on a television set and did not not see a single Aussie.
I did spot a Kiwi, however, who ran very well indeed!

[ichkeria]

It's been pointed out to you that Australia has a fair sized tram taking part. I saw a javelin thrower earlier.
Maybe you need to pay closer attention :-)

[ichkeria]

Or even 'team' :-)

[jno]

perhaps the coverage you are watching is not the one tailored for and transmitted to Australian viewers? Whatever the reason, the Australians are there.

[Pete65]

Excellent point.
I only dip in and out of watching.
I seem to remember lots of Aussies at previous championships, though.
Have they achieved any medals, so far?

[Pete65]

Jno, I watch the finals and do not remember seeing an Aussie.
I know Sally Pearson is injured.

[ichkeria]

Australia wouldn't be my tip ever to feature prominently in world track and field. A quick check shows they've only ever won 10 World Championship Golds
They got silver in the Men's Long Jump, an event I actually missed

[Pete65]

I missed it too, unfortunately, Ichkeria.
Maybe my old memory is playing tricks on me.
I do remember Raelene Boyle doing quite well in several competitions, though.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the Championships!

[campbellking]

Jared Tallent has won silver in the 50k walk today.