STEWART McSweyn launches a new phase in his distance running career in Hobart’s Briggs Classic on Sunday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
McSweyn steps out in open company for the first time on the Australian Athletics Tour in the 5000 metres.
The 19-year-old will clash with fellow Eureka Athletic Club members Duer Yoa and Brett Robinson, who headline a strong line-up.
Although now based in Melbourne as he prepares for his second year as a La Trobe University student, McSweyn is still coached by Ballarat’s Rod Griffin and has some training sessions back in the city.
McSweyn said he was not setting his sights too high for Hobart.
His main objective is to better his personal best of 14 minutes, 33 seconds – a time set in a slow-tempo race last year.
He is confident he can achieve this.
McSweyn expects a solid pace, owing to the class of the field, and is looking to run a 14:15.
A former Ballarat Clarendon College student, McSweyn said his race plan would be
straightforward – “just jump on the train” and see where it takes him. He said his preparation had been spot-on.
“Training’s been going well.”
He said while a large contingent went to Falls Creek for an annual distance running training camp, he had bypassed it.
McSweyn, who wants to focus on 5000m and 10,000m long-term, said although this meant a significant amount of training on his own, he was pleased where he was at going to Hobart.
One of his main aims for the season is to get regular starts at this level and, ultimately, to get a run in the Melbourne Track Classic – a world challenge event on March 21.
He is also likely to contest the World Cross Country Championships trials in Canberra on February 8.
Meanwhile, another up-and-coming Eureka distance runner, Jack Davies, is sidelined with a foot problem.
Davies, who is also 19, had foot issues midway through last year.
He worked his way back to finish third in the under-20 3000m at the Zatopek meet in Melbourne in December.
McSweyn was sixth in the same event.
Davies’ coach Rod Griffin said the soreness re-occurred about two weeks ago and an immediate decision was made to have the problem diagnosed.
david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au