Steve Hooker clears 5.96m to win Australia's first athletics Olympic gold medal of the 2008 Games (© Getty Images)
As a result of their outstanding performances at the Beijing Olympic Games, Australia have pre-selected six athletes for the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Berlin, Germany (15 to 23 Aug 2009).
In order to be pre-selected into the Australian team, athletes had to finish in the top eight at the Beijing Olympic Games. This group of selections is led by Olympic Pole Vault champion Steve Hooker, who is joined in the Berlin squad by Sally McLellan (100m Hurdles), Jared Tallent (20km and 50km Race Walk), Luke Adams (20km Race Walk), Jarrod Bannister (Javelin Throw) and Youcef Abdi (3000m Steeplechase).
Selectors have also named the 50km Race Walk team, confirming that Chris Erickson had been automatically selected following his victory and ‘A’ qualifier at the national championships in Melbourne two weeks ago.
Reigning World 50km Race Walk champion Nathan Deakes was also named, whilst selectors used their discretion to nominate Luke Adams who will now compete in both the 20km and 50km events alongside Jared Tallent. As Deakes is the reigning champion, Australia can send a total of four walkers to contest the 50km event in Berlin.
Athletics Australia
