As the battle for selection in the Australian 1500m team for the Paris Olympics heats up, champion middle-distance runner Linden Hall finds herself among a group of outstanding athletes vying for a spot. Hall, who was a finalist in the 1500m at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, is hoping to improve on her 6th place finish and secure her third Olympics appearance. However, she is well aware of the talent of her compatriots, including Jess Hull who recently beat her own 3000m indoor record and qualified for the World Indoor Championships. Hall finds inspiration in her competitors’ success and believes it pushes her to perform at her best.
Joining Hall in the fierce competition are Abbey Caldwell and Catriona Bisset, two exceptional athletes who are also pushing the limits in their respective events. While it’s exciting to be a part of such a highly competitive event, with only three spots available, the pressure mounts for these four athletes. Despite the intensity of the competition, Hall maintains a strong bond with her fellow runners and acknowledges that their rivalry has driven all of them to achieve remarkable performances.
Hall, who holds the Australian record for the 1500m, understands the importance of being in peak form this year to secure a spot in the Paris games. She will be competing in the 800m at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne as a part of her preparation. The event holds a special significance for Hall, who set a personal best in the 3000m during last year’s meet. She is excited about competing in front of her family and friends, something that is often rare due to the international nature of athletics competitions. Hall believes that this year, being an Olympic year, will bring extra attention to the sport and expects top athletes to kickstart their season at the Lakeside Stadium.
In the field of long jump, Brooke Buschkuehl, a dual-Olympic finalist, aims to meet the Paris qualifying mark of 6.86m in her hometown meeting. Buschkuehl, who has battled Coeliac disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, had a challenging 2023 due to extended periods of time overseas. The difficulties of managing her health conditions while traveling, particularly adhering to a gluten-free diet, affected her mental well-being and performance. As she looks ahead to Paris, Buschkuehl plans to make adjustments to her training and competition schedule to ensure she competes at her best during the major championships.
Competing in front of her family and friends in Melbourne holds special significance for Buschkuehl. She aims to achieve the Olympic qualifying standard and finds motivation in the fantastic performances by other Australian and international athletes who have come to Melbourne for the Maurie Plant meet. With one competition under her belt this season, Buschkuehl acknowledges the initial challenges but is determined to reach her goal in front of her loved ones.
The selection battles in the Australian middle-distance and long jump events are reaching a critical moment as athletes strive to secure their spots for the Paris Olympics. The drive, talent, and camaraderie among these athletes make for an intriguing and exciting journey to the Games. As the competition heats up, Australia eagerly awaits the announcement of the final team that will represent the nation on the world stage.
