Sport
3 January, 2023
Mekonnen takes sprint race honours
Hoppers Crossing’s Endale Mekonnen took two victories on Sunday — the Maryborough Advertiser Open 70m Final, with a thrilling battle between himself and training partner Jack Wolff decided by just one thousandth of a second, before backing up to...
Hoppers Crossing’s Endale Mekonnen took two victories on Sunday — the Maryborough Advertiser Open 70m Final, with a thrilling battle between himself and training partner Jack Wolff decided by just one thousandth of a second, before backing up to win the 200m Open Final.
Running off a handicap of 4.25m, Mekonnen waited until the last possible moment to overhaul Wolff, with the result requiring a photo finish.
However, Mekonnen wasn’t too concerned about the result one way or another, saying he was just happy to be able to enjoy a good run with Wolff.
“It means a lot. I just refreshed my mind and didn’t think about the race too much. I was happy to get the win and happy that my training partner, Jack Wolff was right there with me. I wouldn’t have cared if I didn’t win and he won, but I’m just happy to be here. It’s such a good environment, and also it means a lot to have my dad watch me win an open race as well,” he said.
Mekonnen had a simple philosophy in terms of his preparation coming in to the event — a good night’s rest, and more rest on the way in to the event.
“I had a nice sleep the night before, and another refreshing sleep in the car. It allowed me to clear my mind, come in and have a good run,” he said.
The event was run with a heavy tailwind, something that Mekonnen believed helped him get over the line.
"When it’s hot, the wind helps out a lot. I’m happy that the work is finally paying off for me,” he said.
Mekonnen’s second victory, in the 200 m men’s final, was one that he was coveting the most.
It was evident after the 70 m final that Mekonnen was desperate to take the 200 m prize.
“I need to stay out the sun — it doesn’t really like me that much. I need to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and start focusing,” he said.
Luckily, Mekonnen was able to do just that, with his time of 21.48 enough to see him overhaul Samuel Blyzno and Tim Rosen to take victory.
Blyzno and Rosen were seperated by just one thousandth of a second when adjusted time was factored in, with Blyzno (21.565) pinching second from Rosen (21.566).
For Mekonnen, there was great relief in winning the 200 m event.
“I’m really cooked, but I feel good. I came here to get a run in and have some fun, I wasn’t too sure how well I was going to go, but just happy to get the win,” he said.
Mekonnen was one of many runners who took the opportunity to utilise the sudden, yet unexpected, rain shower during the afternoon to cool off before his race.
“The rain cooled me down while it was at around 20 degrees, but after that it got hotter again, I just ran my own race in the end. It’s also such a nice race to run in as well,” he said.
Reflecting on his win in the 70 m and 200 m events, Mekonnen had a clear favourite, yet also acknowledged the amount of work he put in prior to the event.
“I would say my 200 is stronger than my 70. I just wanted to win the 200, but there was plenty of work done to get both wins,” he said.