Tyler Gunn insists he's got what it takes to qualify for this year's Olympic Games after an eye-catching return to the track at Barden Park on the weekend.
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Gunn, the second-fastest Australian over 400m last year, was one of the main drawcards at the three-day NSW Athletics Country Championships.
Working his way back from an ill-timed hamstring tear, Gunn delivered at Dubbo and after running a personal best in the 200m on Saturday he cruised to victory in his pet event.
The 20-year-old won the open-age 400m comfortably but the biggest positive was the way his body felt during and after the race.
"I was just stoked to be able to get through without any pain or issues with the body," he said.
"I felt really good. I felt strong and was able to hold form throughout the race so that's what we're happy about and what we've been focusing on, getting that strength and speed can come later in the season.
"I'm really happy though."
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The weekend proved to be just what Gunn and his team wanted after the disappointment of not being able to compete at last year's IAAF World Championships in Doha.
A hamstring tear on the eve of that tournament forced a re-think of his plans but after a strong return to the track the goal is now lowering his time and earning a spot on the flight to Tokyo.
Gunn has until the end of June to reach the Olympic qualifying time of 44.90 seconds and qualify for the Olympics.
He won the 400m in a time of 47.71 on Sunday.
"We wanted to get a first race out in a nice, fun environment so it worked well before the bigger races in the season, things like the track classics and nationals," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to training myself for those big comps.
"We've got the confidence to push for it, it's an Olympic year, so will really push for it.
"We'll take it race-by-race as it comes and not really look at that big future but we'll take it by week-in and week-out and see how we feel each session and we're really looking forward to it."
Gunn also had plenty of praise for the Country Championships and Barden Park, labelling it a "great facility" and one which was filled with a "great fun, family atmosphere" across the three days.
Gunn was one of the big names in attendance but the competitors ranged from the under 9s to the masters divisions, where athletes older than 70 took part.
"It's really good to see the young ones here watching the opens and masters and seeing what they can become," he said.
"Hopefully they stay at it and keep pursuing their careers and goals."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
