January 8, 2016
Athlete Blog

Athlete Blog: Henri

We caught up with OVA athlete Henri Norton in the lead up to the Christmas Carnivals and on his nationals experience.

"On December the 3rd I was up bright and early for a 10am flight to Melbourne with my fellow teammates to compete at Lakeside Stadium for the 2015 Australian All Schools Championships. As soon as we landed, we jumped on a bus and made our way to the hotel followed by heading to the track for a light session to keep our legs moving. 

Friday was the first night of competition, I had my 400m heat and managed to go sub 50 seconds for the first time, running 49.81s and just missing out on the final. I was stoked with my run but I couldn't have been happier to find out I had another chance to run again in a timed final. I was glad I had all day Saturday to get my head back around it. I went into my final confident and calm, managing to win my heat with another personal best of 49.72. Waiting in the call room to hear the result was exciting, I was really happy to hear I was placed 4th overall and I started to get ready for another 400m leg in the Swedish relay. 

When the baton was changed over, we were running second but as I tried to make my move on Queenslander Joseph Deng, I accidentally cut him off. That didn't matter to much to him as he was as fresh as a daisy to get me in the final straight. My legs filled with lactic and I had nothing left in me, resulting in being pinned on the line by Victorian Lawson Power, earning our team a bronze medal. On Sunday I had the 200m, I was feeling fairly flat but still keen, I ran a second best time of 22.55 but missed out on the final. I then had to wait all day for the 4x100m, due to commence late that afternoon. The boys (Jack Hale, Hatt Hosie and fellow OVA team mate Dusty Rankin) were keen and looking for another medal. In the end, we all ran solid legs and with smooth changes, we placed to grab a second bronze medal for the weekend. Just missing out on the State record by 0.09 seconds.

On Wednesday the 16th of December, I had the Club Decathlon. It set out to be a good night for a bit of fun as I wasn't looking for much in my 400m. The final result ended up being another battle with Jarrod Gillroy, whom I love racing against. I wasn't too keen on the race as I had just eaten some spring rolls a few hours beforehand but I managed a win with another sub 50 under my belt.

I am now refreshed and relaxed as I prepare myself for a big week of Christmas Carnivals. I will be having a crack at my first year of carnivals in the 120m, 200m's & 400m. The carnivals being held at Latrobe, Devonport and Burnie. I am looking forward to having a fun filled weekend but also racing against some quality competitors, including Aaron Stubbs, Jack Hale, Jacob Despard, Domma Anastasio and many others.

I hope you have all had a wonderful and safe Christmas, and all the best for 2016".

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