Through a Wall of Rain Imogen Gribble and Drew Fryer win State 10,000m titles

9 October 2022

Through a Wall of Rain Imogen Gribble and Drew Fryer win State 10,000m titles

A wall of rain couldn’t stop the ambitions of competitors in the NSW 10,000m championships last night at Homebush. On cue, the relentless rain increased during the afternoon - from the Treloar Shield through to the first open State title of the summer. On debut over 10,000m on the track, St George’s Imogen Gribble won the women’s title in 38:25.68, while Randwick Botany’s Drew Fryer took out the men’s title in 30:43.82.

WOMEN 10,000M CHAMPIONSHIP OF NSW

Winner of the women’s State title, Imogen Gribble has a famous surname in athletics circles, and is the grand-daughter of a legend of athletics in NSW – Ron Gribble. Ron has provided incredible service to the sport over his 60 years in administration. As an athlete he placed on the podium in a number of State Championships, including the marathon and 880 yards. Last night Imogen when one step further than Ron claiming the State title. A proud grandfather was there to witness the emergence of his granddaughter’s athletics career.

“It was good to see her first run,” said Ron. “She said she wanted to run the 3, 5 or 10. I said it will be different to running around Scarborough Park.”

A humble Imogen was a little overwhelmed.

“I guess I didn’t think about it (winning the State title) too much until now,” she said.

The Design Computing student at Sydney University revealed he surprising footwear for the race. She had recently bought spikes for her track debut, but had second thoughts.

“I’ve never run-in spikes so we thought it might cause injury, so I ran in my everyday shoes.”

Only starting serious training at age 15, Imogen, now 22, is one to watch for the future.

The early leader in the race, Wests Track Club’s (new title for Asics Wests) Kristen Piper finished a close second in 38:43.69, while 15-year-old Westfields Sports Club athlete Ciara Cassilles was third in 47:10.72.

MEN 10,000M CHAMPIONSHIP OF NSW

The heavy rain intensified for the men’s race. From the gun, the two favourites and occasional training partners Drew Fryer (Randwick Botany) and Dylan Offord (Sydney Uni) broke up the field quickly as they reeled off laps of 74, 72, 76, 75, 72 and 74 seconds. From 3000m, Drew upped his tempo hitting laps of 71 seconds, and within 1km had put a 15 second gap on Dylan. At about 6km, triathlete and regular Athletics NSW announcer, Nathan Breen increased his tempo from laps of 79 to 74 seconds. He was spurred on by Drew Fryer who was about to lap him. Nathan ran for a few laps with Drew, then continued to increase his own pace.

Up-front Drew Fryer strode on to victory in 30:43.82 – tremendous in the dreadful conditions.

Nathan Breen got better as the race progressed, eventually finishing off with laps of 69 and 68 seconds – the two fastest of any athlete in the race. On the second last lap, he caught Dylan Offord, going on to take the silver medal in 31:38.69 – certainly comparable to his 30:57 PB from 2019. Dylan Offord, won the bronze in 32:03.27 from a fast finishing Delta Running athlete Dominic Bullock (33:09.03) who dropped a 76 seconds last lap. In fifth was Run Crew teenager Oskar Bukovinsky with 33:12.88.

A talented teenager, Drew Fryer, 21, has been combining his own running career with a successful coaching career which saw him in 2021 named Young Coach of the Year in the prestigious Sport NSW awards.

A special mention to the Athletics NSW officials who officiated in the rain and also captured detailed splits of every athlete in the 10,000m races. Our photo finish officials are unique and the best in the business. Read the splits Men 10,000m splits and Women 10,000m splits.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW
Image: Drew Fryer battling a wall of rain (courtesy of David Tarbotton)