With four World Athletics competitions taking place during 2022, this year will prove to be massive for the sport of athletics... so how are our SA Athletes feeling with the hill still to climb?

Several of our athletes have their sights set on major events such as the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England in July, and the World Athletics Championships in the US, while for others it's a focus on PBs or medalling at next month's State Track and Field Championships. and Australian Track and Field Championships.

Our younger athletes are targeting the World Junior Athletics Championships (Columbia in August) and Summer World University Games (China in June) Games.

We asked our athletes what they were hoping to achieve in 2022 and their reflections on 2021. 

Enough from me... over to our athletes.

2022 Performance Hopes and Dreams

Isobel Batt-Doyle (Coach: Nick Bideau & Riley Cocks)

Club: Flinders Athletic Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: 5000m, 10,000m, Half Marathon

"I have several events that I have in my sights for 2022, including Zatopek 10,000m Championships, World Championships (qualify and make the final), Commonwealth Games (qualify and place Top 5), break 15:00 for the 5000m and 31:25 for 10,000m and break 70:00 for the Half Marathon.

"2021 was a big year, which had many highlights, such as finishing Runner-Up in the Zatopek 10,000m Australian Championships and Australian Championships 5000m, as well as breaking the SA State 5000m and 3000m Records.

"The Tokyo Olympic Qualifier 15:04 in Nijmegen, The Netherlands as amazing, which provided me the opportunity to represent Australia at the Tokyo Olympic Games in the 5000m.

"More recently I won the Melbourne Half Marathon on debut in 70.16 which was 44 seconds under the previous course record."

Matthew Clarke (Coach: Adam Didyk)

Club: Hills Districts Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: 3000m Steeplechase

"This year I would love to make the World Championships and if I can add the Commonwealth Games to that it would be a great bonus.

"I think in the right race the Australian Record in the Steeplechase is a chance. I took 16 seconds off my PB last year to run 8:22 (from 8:38) and only need another six seconds for the record.

"I think more importantly though, becoming an athlete at that level would make me more competitive in a major championship. I have made an Olympic Games now so just sneaking into the team and making up the numbers is not where I want to be when I pull on an Australian singlet again. 

"I want to be challenging for and hopefully making the final - for me that is the true evidence that I am progressing still as an athlete. 

"Last year's highlights: It's obviously hard to go past qualifying for the Olympics - It was a massive rollercoaster of events that led me to get there.

"I had to land a 'Hail Mary' and my team (Adam Didyk my coach  and Max Stevens my TeamTempo training partner who paced me in three races in 10 days) all got behind me to make it possible, so when I got the call up it was a dream come true.

"I am fortunate to not only have a group of people that supported me to get there but also to be able to share that success with them was pretty special, I felt like I was representing all of them at the Olympics.

"On a more personal note though, making the Olympics has really changed my perception of myself as an athlete. It has given me gratification for all the sacrifices and risks I have taken - particularly moving my life from Melbourne, away from my family and friends, when I was really a very outside chance to make the team. But now that I have got there, I have confidence that I should be there and I am excited to see now how far I can go in my running."

Jessica Stenson (Coach: Adam Didyk)

Club: Hills Districts Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: Marathon / 10,000m

"I am aiming to compete in the Zatopek 10, an overseas Marathon in late February and hopefully Australian representation in either the 2022 World Athletics Championships or Commonwealth Games.

"I would love to achieve a PB in the Marathon but would also like to see improvements in my Half Marathon, 10,000m and 5000m. Hopefully there will be more racing and training camp opportunities both locally and abroad. 

"Ultimately, I hope that my teammates and I remain injury-free in the year ahead to be able to capitalise on the opportunities that present.

"Highlights from 2021 include, having the opportunity to race the Perth Marathon in October after a couple of race cancellations and injury challenges. Running a PB and being able to share the experience with my teammate Matthew Clarke who helped with the pace of the first 32km was a highlight.  

"Seeing Matthew (Clarke) achieve his goal of making the Tokyo Olympic team a few months earlier through consistent and gutsy racing was very inspiring. 

"I felt like I was able to get back into consistent training in 2021 after giving birth in late 2019 and I really enjoyed being back out as a regular with my squad, TeamTempo."

Aidan Murphy (Coach: Peter Fitzgerald)

Club: Saints Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: 100m, 200m and 400m

"I have seen progression in each of my events and I am looking forward to all of the National and Track Classic events coming up.

"There are several teams that I am eyeing this year, but I am taking it month by month so I will see how I am feeling after Nationals - Some of the events that I have my eye on are the Oceania Games, World Championships, World Juniors or Commonwealth Games.

"Towards the back end of 2021 I had a few races that I was really happy with (Breaking the State U20 200m Record with 20.64, which was the fastest 200m run in Australia in 2021). 

"I am looking forward to what's to come and the high level meets, I am hoping to run 20.1 in the 200m and break the Open Men's State Record."

Darcy Miller (Coach: Steve Larsson)

Club: Saints Athletics Club

Focus Discipline for 2022: Discus

"This year, I am focussed on qualifying for the World Athletics U20 Championships in Colombia. I’d also like to try and break the SA State Record in the U20 Discus. I am looking forward the Australian Track and Field Championships in Sydney where I hope to defend my U20 Men’s Discus National Title.

"My ultimate goal however is improving my results from the previous season through working with my coach and throwing squad, and the resources provided through the EAP.

"I’d also like to see the continued success of all the throwers in our squad.  We have a great group of throwers that are all really supportive of each other and look out for each other both on and off the athletics track.  It’s both fun and serious all rolled into one – all created by our amazing coach Steve Larsson. 

"One of my major highlights of the 2021 season was winning three individual Gold Medals at the 2021 Australian Track and Field Championships (Men’s U18 Shot Put, Men’s U18 Discus and Men’s U20 Discus). The Men’s U18 Discus competition was a particular highlight because one of my best mates and fellow throws squad member Will Evans also won a Bronze. I’ll never forget being on the medal dais with him as we’ve been throwing together since we were 10.

"It was also a big achievement to qualify for the Open Men’s Discus, which I was unfortunately unable to compete in as it clashed with the U18 men’s shot put.  I was happy with the choice I made though – the U18 Shot Put competition was one of the best I’ve ever competed in.  I was competing against many throwers that I’ve known and competed against for years, and the support and comradery amongst all the competitors was incredible.  We all had an amazing time, helped each other and it all resulted in the best shot put I’ve ever thrown.

"It was also an unexpected bonus to end the year ranked second in the world for U18 men’s discus and 12^th in the world for U18 men’s Shot Put.

"Ultimately though none of the above would have been possible without my coach Steve Larsson. He sacrifices a lot for our entire squad, travelling huge distances each week and is there for every meet.  He saw something in me early on, and I’m grateful every day that he did.  He’s a coach, mentor, and great friend all rolled into one.  None of the PBs, medals or other great athletics moments I’ve had would have happened without him."

Isaac Heyne (Coach: Adam Didyk)

Club: Hills Districts Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: 1500m, 5000m, 10000m.

"In 2022 I will be focusing on the World University Games in July (I've qualified for the 1500m and 5000m at this stage and I am waiting on team selection.

"Coming up in the domestic season is Zatopek 10 as well as the 5000m and 1500m at the National Champs!

"My coach Adam Didyk has set some lofty goals for times in each discipline which I'll work towards as best as possible!

"Ultimately I want to be performing and running well in the events that I'm targeting, that would be brilliant.

"Executing a plan when it matters is important to me.

"I really want to improve my focus on the process. Too often in sport we can become outcome driven, but I'm hoping to find the right balance between the two. Working on ticking the boxes will ultimately lead to the results I'm after.

"My 2021 highlights include National 1500m (ninth place in a PB of 3:41.75), National 3000m (ninth place in a PB of 7:58.95), Launceston 10 win, Burnie 10 win and State 5000m (second place 13:44.66)."

Caitlin Adams (Coach: Adam Didyk)

Club: Hills Districts Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: 5000m and 10,000m I will be focusing on the most, however I will also be racing in 1500m and 3000m events when I get the opportunity.

"In the near future I will be competing in the Australian 10,000m championships at the Zatopek:10 meet in Melbourne on January 26th.

"I am also looking forward to racing on home soil in a national level meet which will be the Adelaide Invitational on the 12th February, I am hoping to race a fast 5000m at this event. Aside from these two races I will race a few Track Classics and Athletics SA races in the lead up to Nationals. In all of these events I will be focusing on being as competitive as I can and finishing as high as I can in order to put myself in the best position to make an Australian team this year.

"Training has been going great recently so I am confident that this form should translate to the track and some personal best times.

"My aspiration this season is simple, to try and get the most out of myself and be the best athlete I can be whilst enjoying the process. I am hopeful that this will make me a strong contender for the Commonwealth Games and World Championships Australian teams. These events are pencilled in as major goals of mine and I will be doing everything I can to book a place on those teams, whether it be in the 5000m or 10,000m event.

"This will be no easy task as the depth of Australian female runners is super strong right now! I am planning on going overseas after the Australian track season for further training and racing opportunities.

"My major 2021 highlights include winning the Burnie 10km in a time of 32:31, running a PB of 8:55 in the 3000m and 15:29 in the 5000m, Fitzy's 5km road PB of 15:32 and consistent training over winter."

Emilaya Ellis (Coach: Sharon Ward)

Club: Saints Athletics Club

Focus Discipline for 2022: Triple Jump

"I am particularly hoping to gain a big PB this season in the Triple Jump after the time and hard work I put in through the winter season. I am hoping this hard work will place me in a Triple Jump final at the Australian Track and Field Championships in late March.

"This season I am really hoping to jump consistently and put together the technical aspects that I have been working on. I hope to have the same success I have had as a junior athlete now moving to compete in the open age group. It would also be really great to qualify for the World Uni Games this year.

"My highlights of 2021 would have to be getting a PB in Triple Jump, coming second at the Australian Track and Field Championships and being able to compete in the Sydney Track Classic"

Michael Roeger (Coach: Philo Saunders)

Club: Hills Districts Athletics Club

Focus Discipline for 2022: Marathon

"I will be focusing on mostly the Marathon, with just signing up to Boston Marathon in April. 

"I want to run a few track 5000m races and then head to the Para Marathon World Champs in London in September.

"I hope to do a few cross country and road races and will run Gold Coast Half.

"I want to have a consistent year and try to enjoy it as much as possible. My main goal is to run under 14:00 for 5000m and PB in the Half Marathon. Winning World Champs in London later this year will be a focus as well.

"2021 was full of ups and downs - I had an awesome first six months with breaking my 5000m/Marathon World Records. Sustaining a stress fracture five weeks before the Paralympic Games was devastating and still unpacking it. I have learnt a lot going through that and feel I will be athlete/person going forward."

Lachlan Page (Coach: Self)

Club: Northern Districts Athletics Club

Focus Discipline for 2022: Discus

"This year I would love to become the first South Australian in history to throw 60m in Discus.

"I am focussing on the Australian Track and Field Championships, Adelaide Invitational and Sydney Track Classic.

"After a successful 2019 Nationals (3^rd Place Open Men’s Discus) and competing in the 2019 Oceania Championships, I was feeling great. However, not long after, I faced the biggest challenge as an athlete, a serious injury. I injured my left wrist (left-handed thrower) during a freak training accident.

"Over the course of eight weeks, I foolishly continued training and my wrist started to deteriorate further. I came to the realisation that despite my best wishes, my wrist was not getting better. Within the span of a fortnight, I went from getting an MRI to being on the operating table. I had multiple tears in my TFCC. A full tear of the volar component of my scapholunate ligament along with a near full thickness tear of the dorsal component and a partial tear of the membranous component. There was a very real possibility that I may never be able to throw properly again.

"December 14, 2019, I had wrist surgery and then the rehab process begun. It was six months until I could throw a Discus again properly and I missed the 2019/2020 Athletics Season.

"The long and arduous rehabilitation process culminated in a silver medal (and personal best throw of 57.51m to beat third place by 2cm) at the 2021 Nationals.

“You are only ever one injury away from your last throw/jump/run”

'"I set high standards for myself every season, and 2021 was no different. I didn’t hit all the goals I had planned, which did frustrate me. However, after some careful reflection, I realised that this was an opportunity to push myself further and learn from the errors that I made in the previous season, and hone in on my craft.

“Doing the same lifts, the same throws, over and over, day after day just to get that extra couple of percent improvement."

Jack Netting (Coach: Lynn Larsen)

Club: Hills Districts Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: 100m and 200m

"The main event that I am focussing on is the Australian Track and Field Championships in Sydney, it's a great event and it will be my fourth time competing. 

"The Para community there is great from all States and the comradery is always there. 

"In training there has been more of a focus on technique, effort and speed, rather than results, but I would say that for the 100m an ideal PB would be sub-13.70 and 200m close to sub-29.00.

"Another goal of mine in 2022 is to help the SA Para athlete community grow, and inspire them to want to stay in the sport and reach elite levels. I know it's a very hard, time consuming sport that requires all levels of dedication and joy... but if we can prove to younger Para athletes why it's worth it then that itself is an amazing achievement. 

"The 2021 Australian Track and Field Championships were probably the best that I have done competition wise as I achieved a PB and National Record in the 100m and Long Jump, which was way beyond what I expected. I have to reflect on how I have had a much further and better connection with athletes this year as it has helped me cope through a lot of support in me in ways I didn't know it would. 

"None of this would be possible without my coach Lynn Larsen, assistant coach Lisa Attenborough and our wonderful training squad." 

Jack Grosser (Coach: Deb Meich)

Club: Western Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: Long Jump and Triple Jump 

"I will be working on technical model for running and jumping and building strength. My performance goals for the season include jumping 7.45m for Long and 15m for Triple. For this to happen, it is important that I manage my workload and have a strong plan/schedule.

"The ultimate goal would be to improve my distances from last year… and to beat this guy named Oli Callahan in Long Jump. In doing so, I hope to build towards World Junior standards.

"One of my highlights for 2021 was breaking a 74-year-old Triple Jump record for Immanuel College. I also enjoyed my time in Sydney with my grandpa for the Australian Track and Field Championships. Hopefully, this year I have fewer injuries and look forward to the challenges ahead."

Jordi McMillan (Coach: )

Club: Saints Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: 100m and 200m

"I am mainly focussing on the Australian Track and Field Championships and then further potentially qualifying for the World Uni Games and the World U20 Championships later this year.

"My aspirations for 2022 are to drop my PB and enjoy running as much as possible, and I’d love to become an overall better athlete and person for people to look up to. I also hope to make at least one of the two Australian teams and prove to everyone that I can do it no matter what hardships I’m put through!

"My main highlight of 2021 was returning to the track with a smile on my face and beginning to find confidence in myself again."

Jordi McMillan, bib 255.

Marley Raikiwasa (Coach: Steve Larsson)

Club: Tea Tree Gully

Focus Disciplines for 2022: Shot Put, Discus and Javelin

"I have a couple of goals I am focussing on, firstly competing well at Nationals in Sydney in March, nominating for U20 World Athletics Championships and continuing on building my throwing technique under a new coach to develop into a more mature and stronger thrower.

"2022 for me is all about strengthening my throwing, building my consistency and ultimately increasing my throwing distances. I have been nominated for the U20 World Athletics Team so hope to achieve a spot on the team and be able to compete again at an international level.

"My biggest highlight of 2021 was making my first Australian team, although we couldn't travel to compete at then World Athletic U20 competition, to be able to compete at international level in Queensland in the invitational series for the Oceania Athletics and have a two week training camp with the Australian team was unbelievable.

"I was still able to compete and throw in competitions and train with some of my biggest idols. Nationals 2021 was also a huge highlight for me, winning medals and breaking State Records in U16 and U18 Discus and U16 Shot Put in the one season."

Courtney Smallacombe (Coach: Kym Simons)

Club: Western Athletics Club

Focus Disciplines for 2022: Pole Vault 

"My goals for the upcoming season include jumping a new PB and making the Commonwealth Games Australian team. 

"My highlights of 2021 include competing in the Queensland Track Classic and also no heighting at Nationals, forcing me to reflect on my training and prioritise injury prevention, setting me up for success this year."

Tryphena Hewett (Coach: Pat Todd & Kym Simons)

Club: Tea Tree Gully

Focus Disciplines for 2022: High Jump and Pole Vault

"Late in 2021 I started to see some good results, getting close to my PBs which is good so early in the season. I also performed well in the State All Schools Championships, winning Gold in both my Pole Vault and High Jump events."

"This year I am aiming to perform well in the Australian Track and Field Championships.