25 Nov 2009

In adverse conditions on Sunday morning 22 November, dual Olympic medalist Jared Tallent (AIS) posted a new personal best time of 3:38.56 to secure himself the Australian 50km Road Walk Championship at Melbourne’s Fawkner Park.

In an unrivalled effort, Tallent secured his gold medal just 3 days after completing an arduous altitude training regime at the AIS.

'I didn’t expect the time so quickly after such intense strength and base training at the altitude camp, he said.

'We haven’t really been working on speed recently so to start the summer with a personal best time gives me a lot of confidence.'

'I’m looking for a medal at the next year’s IAAF Road Walk Championships in Mexico and today’s result is the ideal start to what will be a tough training schedule between now and then.'

In the men’s 20km Road Walk, Ian Rayson (Canberra Agreement Athlete) was the first to cross the finish line in a time of 1:29.50.

Rayson, whom travelled to Melbourne en route to his new base at the AIS, was followed by the Brendan Reading (second – 1:30.42-also trains at the AIS) and Derek Mulhearn (third – 1:39.16)

Jessica Rothwell (AIS Assisted as the National Walks Centre and coached by Simon Baker ex-AIS) led the way in the women’s 20km Road Walk completing the course in a time of 1:34.22.

Rothwell looked confident in her stride for the entire race saying she couldn’t be happier at this stage of the year.

'Mexico for the IAAF World Race Walk Championships is what I’m preparing for at the moment so to start like this in tough conditions is great.'

'Speed training hasn’t really commenced yet so I’m really happy with my time and feel confident heading into some pretty big events.'

Clare Tallent (AIS) was second to cross the line in a time of 1:37.47 capping off a successful morning for the Tallent family.