In the leadup to the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian Track and Field Championships in Brisbane at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre Jaylah ran herself into the open women 1500m finals.
Jaylah's mother, Leanne, reports "In very warm typical Queensland conditions, the two heats that made selection were just as hot! Packed full of Australia's best! The top 5 in each heat an automatic qualifier, then the next two quickest times, making up the start line for the final".
"Jaylah ran the first heat, with some of the biggest names in middle distance running. Off the line she put the power on, putting herself in good position to avoid potential carnage out the back, settling herself in nicely. Finding her rhythm she led the way until the final lap.
"Jaylah was aware of the moves that were going to be made of her position on track. She stayed relaxed confidently knowing she would secure her top 5 position, running 4th, challenged just at the line. But being only a heat was not going to over exert herself, settling instead for her automatic qualifier.
"The following day Jaylah embraced the excitement of lining up with Australia's best in her 1500m final of the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian Track and Field Championships in Brisbane. Her's was to be an Australian championship packed full of representative talent, a line-up that made the spectators just as nervous as the athletes themselves.
Jaylah's mother, Leanne said "Nerves don't get the better of Jaylah. Starting alongside Jess Hull doesn't shake, doesn't waver Jaylah from what her job is. She is focused and ready to race"
"The expectation of this race was going to go out at a fast pace, falling short of that in the early stages, but then gaining momentum.
"Jaylah was in the mix, up there as the youngest competitor, holding ground until the change in pace.
"A super strong move made by more experienced athletes has the capability of sucking an athlete with less experience at that level of racing back a little"
"But because of her strength, she was able to hold, coming home strong with a personal best under her belt, of 4.10.5, down from a 4.11.9.
Leanne adds "If the race was set up as expected, Jaylah would have achieved a much greater Pb, knowing of her capabilities"
Images: supplied
Photos: David Tarbotton
