Sydney10: Elite athletes in Focus – Part 2

28 April 2022

Sydney10: Elite athletes in Focus – Part 2

The 2022 Sydney10 race this Sunday around Sydney Olympic Park has attracted the some of the leading athletes from across the nation. In this part two of the podium potential/elite entries we chat preparation and race goals with three NSW registered athletes, defending champion Kieren Tall, 2021 women’s runner up Leanne Pompeani and NSW 10,000m champion Aynslee van Graan.

LEANNE POMPEANI

Canberra-based Bankstown registered Leanne Pompeani is primed to go one better than her two silvers in the last two editions of the race.

“I have placed second at Sydney 10 twice now so I am aiming to end that streak,” said Leanne.

But she is aware of the challenge.

“I’m up against some Australian marathoning royalty - Lisa Weightman. I have no doubt Lisa is in great shape so I’ll have to bring my A game. I ran a PB here last year so I’m aiming for another one.”

A hindered stretch of mid-summer training due to injury, was turned on its head when she ran a track PB at Nationals.

“Preparation has been going well the past nine weeks. I surprisingly ran a 5000m PB at nationals champs off six weeks of training. I picked up a hip injury from the half marathon in December, which dragged out for about two months. Sydney 10 will be my first road race back and I’m excited to be back on the roads.”

Last year Leanne was locked in an exciting last 400m sprint against Lauren Reid to decide the winner, but now with that PB 5000m form in 2022, Leanne should be stronger if she is in the same situation again.

Her goals for 2022?

“Later this year there will be a big focus on making the world cross country team and the world half team. In the meantime, building fitness, racing and building my running profile here in Australia.”

KIEREN TALL

Over the last 12 months, the distance running status of Kieren Tall, 23, has continued to grow. Last year he won the Sydney10 in a race record of 28:55, a time which would stand-up as the fastest by an Aussie in the year.

“Last year’s Sydney 10 was definitely a memorable experience and one of the better performances of my running career,” said Kieren.

“I love this race because it’s right on my doorstep (I go to university just down the road at ACPE) and I get to line up with a fair few of my friends and teammates. It’s a fast course and fairly spectator friendly too.”

He has been looking forward to the race.

“This will be my first race since January, I’ve been counting down the days. I’m going into Sydney 10 with an open-minded approach, historically speaking I’ve been known to love a fast race, however I’ve been learning to get better at the tactical ones too. This is going to be a bit of a fitness test for me considering I haven’t raced for a while, so I won’t let the race go out too slowly.”

As he builds for the future, Kieren and his Run Crew coaches, have been making some modifications to his program.

“I’ve had a fairly consistent few months of training since February, both in terms of running and gym. I haven’t had many spectacular sessions lately as I’ve put a lot more focus into consistency and strength training to work on my weaknesses, however I’m confident that I’m fit.”

The race will launch him into his key races for 2022.

“My coaches and I are in the process of setting myself up for a really exciting 2022 season. I’ll be targeting lots of road races, potentially even a half marathon if things go well. Further down the track I’ll be racing Zatopek and World XC trials. I’ll be focussed on running fast times, winning races and enjoying the sport as much as I can while balancing full time university and work.”

AYNSLEE VAN GRAAN

What a great 2021/22 summer for Aynslee van Graan. The Sydney-based South African international has won the NSW 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m track titles and set a series of lifetime bests.

“Very happy with the past 12 months,” said Aynslee. ”I ran PBs in nearly all my events. I am just so thankful for my training group (Run Crew) and the support of my coaches and teammates. I am really enjoying training and challenging myself and I think that’s made the difference in my fitness. Excited for the next 12 months.”

After a long stay in Australia, Aynslee was finally able to visit home.

“I’ve been in South Africa the past two months, it’s been amazing! I’ve missed my family so much, really enjoyed being home. I’m arriving on the 28th and hope I don’t experience a lot of jetlag because I am excited to run fast (at the Sydney10). I competed in the South African track and field Nationals last week, it was a tough race. I also ran my 1500m PB last night at a local meet.”

Aynslee is in terrific form also running an impressive altitude-effected time of 9:09 for 3000m in Cape Town (1600m).

“I am happy with my season so far and I’m excited to close my season with a good 10k and then to get back to work!”

Sydney10 information: https://www.nswathletics.org.au/events/136585/

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Image: Leanne Pompeani and Aynslee van Graan (Courtesy of David Tarbotton)