Posted by Hopwood Wendy
Taylah Cruttenden has been introduced to pro running and is quietly confident for Stawell
Date: 7th April 2022
Stawell first timer Taylah Cruttenden has been mixing it up on the track and grass this season with fantastic results in both.
The Australian junior champion from WA found herself in Victoria due to border closures this season and after being introduced to pro running decided to give it a go alongside her amateur commitments.
Last year’s Australian World Junior Team captain, Taylah’s accolades include 5 x national 100m champion, 2x All Schools national champion, 2021 Australian Open 100m relay team member and 5 x WA state record titles. And to add to that list she placed 2nd behind Torrie Lewis in last weekend’s U/20 national 100m and 4th out of the Aussies in the Open Women’s 100m final.
Taylah firmly believes her season running pro events in Victoria has benefited her overall results. “My first impression of pro running when I first set out on the circuit was that it was so different to what I am used to,” said Taylah.
“Going from racing on a grass track which I’m unfamiliar with, to running more than 100m wasn’t my cup of tea to say the least.
“However, travelling around Victoria to the different meets has been heaps of fun and a huge learning curve along the way, and I’m happy to say that has benefited me this season.”
Taylah competed in the Hastings, Wangaratta, Beachside, Castlemaine and Bendigo Gifts this season and her results ranged from making the semis in her first professional race in Hastings (70m) to 4th place in Bendigo (100m) to winning at Castlemaine (70m) which she lists as one her best achievements in athletics.
“Coming off the back of nationals and running into a bit of form after a bit of a sluggish start to the season, and with some experience of how to run a 120m, I should perform quite well at Stawell,” Taylah told us.
However, she stressed her training squad have helped her understand that “Stawell is a different ball game and to take one race at a time.”
On her future in athletics: “My future goals would be to continue to represent Australia, hopefully soon at an international level and wear the green and gold with pride. My main goal in athletics would be to run fast enough to not just be a good domestic athlete but to challenge and beat the greats of the sport and of course to win the Stawell Gift.”
Taylah has played AFL and lists the sport as one of her hobbies along with shopping and horses. The 18-year-old is from Oakford south of Perth.
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