Posted by Hopwood Wendy
Extreme rainfall in NSW dampens training for athletes like Hamish Lindstrom
Date: 17th March 2022
Sydney sprinter Hamish Lindstrom is feeling confident ahead of this year’s Powercor Stawell Gift, he would just like to find a track that isn’t waterlogged to train on!
The Terang Gift winner who is “looking forward to the atmosphere at Stawell, there are no other competitions like it,” was hoping to back up that performance at the Jack Giddy Gift in Centennial Park last weekend but the event was washed out.
“It’s been a real challenge for us,” said Hamish’s coach Brian Wright, “Grass tracks in NSW are all disrupted due to the rain. The main track we use is closed and the substitute track was too wet. We just have to find some local ovals to run on which is not ideal, but we will have to make do with what we have.”
However, Hamish hopes his hard work and preparation will pay off come Easter. He was introduced to pro running by Brian who coached Ed Ware to his 2nd place in the 2011 Open Gift and has loved it ever since.
“Last year was my first year at Stawell, I had always run amateur races. Knowing the rich history behind the Stawell Gift makes it special every time you walk onto the track. It would mean a lot for me to win Stawell this year. Not always being the most talented athlete, I have had to work extremely hard to get where I am in my athletics career. Winning such a prestigious race would be something special, as I know I have put in a lot of work behind the scenes to get myself into the form I am in.”
Hamish made it to the semis in both the 2021 Powercor Stawell Gift and the Jack Donaldson 200m and also came 5th in the Bill Howard 100m final. For 2022 he will concentrate on the main race.
“To improve my performance from last year, all I have done is just work hard. That’s about it, just being consistent with training, showing up and giving it 100% and never missing a session. That’s what will show in my performance this year at Stawell.
“I feel quite confident leading into Stawell 2022, but in the end its who can put on the best performance on the day, so anything can happen.”
The 19-year-old estate agent lives in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs would love to run for Australia one day. “I am still a long way off and just need to keep chipping away and focus on what’s in front of me.
“My idol is Asafa Powell, as he is a very consistent runner, which is how I strive to be.”
Along with Hamish, Brian will be bringing a crew from his University of New South Wales squad, including 2019 runner up Leonard King. Coach Wright believes this year is the most open he has seen it. “I don’t think there is a clear favourite, it will be very close.”
Reluctant to pick favourites, he did name a few to watch – Harry Kerr, Aidan Green, Jasper Nettlefold and Nathan Riali.
Pictured below is Hamish on the podium at Terang.
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