Athletics Australia - News - Deakes identified for early nomination to Australian Olympic Committee
Deakes’ international resume boasts an Olympic bronze medal (2004), a 50km walk world title (2007) and four Commonwealth Games gold medals.
Deakes identified for early nomination to Australian Olympic Committee ©Athletics Australia
Athletics Australia are thrilled to announce that Nathan Deakes (VIC) will today be identified for early nomination to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) for selection in the men’s 50km walk at the 2012 Olympic Games.
As per the Athletics Australia nomination criteria, Deakes is subject to meeting ongoing form and fitness. The final list of track and field athletes will be nominated to the AOC after the final selectors meeting on 11 June 2012.
Deakes’ early nomination follows theetching of two qualifiers next to his name – 3:48:02 in Dudince (SLO) last March and 3:50:34 in Melbourne (VIC) in December – and a silver medal behind Jared Tallent (VIC) at the Australian 50km Race Walking Championship in December.
Dion Russell, Athletics Australia Chairman of Selectors, said:
“Nathan is a proven performer at the highest level and his nomination is a great reward for his persistence in over coming recent injury setbacks.
“In Daegu, Nathan showed that he is still a force internationally and, subject to the AOC’s final selection, we are confident that along with Jared Tallent and Luke Adams we have a strong contingent in the 50km walk event that will push for a podium result.”
Deakes’ international resume boasts an Olympic bronze medal (2004), a 50km walk world title (2007) and four Commonwealth Games gold medals. He is the former world record holder in his nominated event, and has won nine national titles including three across 50 kilometres.
Hailing from Victoria, Deakes now trains at the Australian Institute of Sport under the guidance of Craig Hilliard.
He was selected to his first Australian Flame team since the 2007 IAAF world championships in the men’s 50km walk last year. A clear leader in the event at the 30-kilometre mark, Deakes was unfortunately forced to withdraw with injury.
Having adhered to all other nomination criteria, the Qantas Melbourne Track Classic on March 2 & 3 is the next event whereby athletes can achieve results to obtain nomination for selection to the London Olympics. Set to feature all championship events, the meet doubles as the first leg of the IAAF World Challenge.
Athletics Australia - News
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