Jack Rayner is considered the best medal chance of a 10-strong contingent from Western Athletics heading to the Australian cross-country championships in Western Australia this weekend.
Rayner, 18, has the fitness, form and a favourable field to give the under-20 men’s 8km event a real shake in Albany on Saturday.
“He’s a chance,” Western cross-country team manager Phil Dunstone told Star Weekly.
“He came second in the under-20s last year, so there’s a chance he can take this one out.
“His nearest rival, Jack Davies, from the Ballarat region, is out with injury. If Jack runs well, he’ll be right up there.”
Rayner brushed off the effects of a hip injury to finish third in a quality field in a 10km race in Launceston.
In a great sign, he has been ‘niggle’-free in training since the Tasmanian trip and is just about 100 per cent ready to make a dash at a national title.
“I reckon Jack’s back to good form,” Dunstone said. “We’re quietly confident he can do very well.”
Western has athletes in no fewer than six events at the nationals.
They will flood the under-18 6km event with their prized group of youngsters, including Daniel Dunstone, fresh from a win at the Albert Park 10km, Liam Cashin, Cody Shanahan and Lochlan Lyness.
“One of the strengths is they’re a group of kids who have always liked longer distances,” Dunstone said.
“They look like they’ll win the [local cross- country] premiership this year.”
Nathan Pearce will join Rayner in the 8km event, while Matthew Hussey will race in the under-14s’ 3km.
Claire Hodgart will be the most senior woman in the touring party, competing in the 6km under-20 race.
Georgia Muller is the youngest athlete in the team, racing in the under-12 3km, while Sophie McMinimee will run in the under-14 3km in WA.
“They’re all pretty solid,” Dunstone said. “I’m expecting a few top 10s.”
