Rising track star Werner Botha ran to an impressive win in the University of Queensland’s 20th annual Great Court Race held on Wednesday May, 26.
The 636 metre one lap dash around UQ’s Great Court is based on the Cambridge University Race, as featured in the film Chariots of Fire.
Eighteen-year-old Botha, who will represent Australia in the Junior World Championships this year (July) comfortably held off junior rival Alistair Ross to win in 1.28.01.
Placed in the top ten in Australia for 800m, Botha now has his sights firmly planted on the longstanding record of 1.26.40 set by Simon Still in 1988.
A strong finish made it back to back wins for science student Daina Surka who never looked threatened in the women’s final running 1.49.56.
Surka came into the final as favourite and an extra injection of speed on the final straight was all that was needed to pull free of Pharmacy student Amber Peckston who went one up to claim silver after placing third in 2003.
The open women’s record is held by Sandra Dawson who covered the distance in 1.41.68 in 1993.
World record holder Geoff Trappett headlined a celebrity wheelchair race to support our Paralympic athletes.
The 100m wheelchair sprint champion was joined by fellow 2004 Paralympian Gemma Buchholz and Queensland Bulls players Chris Hartley and Lee Carseldine for a tongue in cheek relay to raise awareness for our 2004 Paralympic athletes.
The third annual Great Court Handicapped Sprint Race ran over 70m saw UQ SPORT scholarship holder and javelin representative Joshua Robinson causing an upset inching out star hurdler John Burstow in a photo finish.
Rebecca Negus ran down the field from behind to claim victory in the women’s sprint race.
Further information contact: Kelly Chapman on 3365 6041 or 0412 066 466.
