Improved starts could be the thing that puts young Riddells Creek sprinter Jessie Andrew in the selection conversation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Already known for her powerful running through the middle of races, the 16-year-old is fine-tuning her routine ahead of the Oceania Melanesian regional championships in Fiji from July 7-9.
Jessie, who spends close to two hours a day travelling by train between Riddells Creek and the Maribyrnong Sports Academy, says she’s confident that work with coach Darren Clark will pay dividends.
She will compete in the 200 metres and possibly the 4×100 metres relay in Suva.
“It’s a big opportunity for me,” the year 10 student says. “This is a great chance to prove myself against some really good international opposition.”
Jessie has bounced back from a tibia stress fracture that sidelined her last year. But it’s her work to achieve more momentum out of the blocks that’s poised to take her to another level.
Clark says Jessie is among the top runners in her age group.
‘‘If we can iron out her starts, it will put her right at the pointy end of things,’’ he says.
