The first test of the Supernova 2020 edition took place this morning.
The races are normally held in Canberra, but this season the capital of Australia is experiencing an asphyxiating climate due to the suffocating heat emitted by nearby fires, so the races have been moved to Melbourne.
As usual, the first test of the stage at the beginning of the season took place on the classic distance of 10,000m track walk.
10.000m men track walk
The season begins, but the music heard playing in the finale of the previous season does not change.
Perseus Karlstrom (SWE) always wins the first Supernova tests.
His time of 38:50.9 is good even if the athlete boasts a personal best of 38:03.95 obtained in Stockholm on 24.8.2019.
Aside from the DNF in Melbourne's 50km (AUS) of 1.12.2019, the fourth place of La Coruna (ESP) in 20km on 8.6.2019 and the Doha bronze medal (QAT) in 20km on 4.10.2019, Karlstrom has remained unbeaten throughout the season 2019 winning seven races (nine if we consider the three single stages of Around Taihu in China).
Second place in Evan Dunfee (CAN) in 40: 09.3
Third place in Isamu Fujisawa (JPN) in 40: 10.6
Short report by Tim Erickcon (... and many thanks)
Conditions were perfect last Sunday morning for the International 10,000m track walk at the Melbourne University Track in Parkville, Melbourne – overcast, still and a pleasant 18°C. The large group of walkers assembled in Australia for the AIS Supernova study were all in attendance and provided an entertaining morning of top walking.
Perseus Karlstrom (SWE) was away on his own right from the 10AM gun, covering the first lap in a very fast 1:33 first lap, 8 seconds ahead of a large chasing group. From then on, the win was never in doubt as he rolled out 2000m splits of 7:36, 7:44, 8:00, 7:54 and 7:36 for a final time of 38:50.9. Behind him, the group gradually fragmented until it was left to Evan Dunfee (CAN) and Isamu Fujisawa (JPN) to fight it out for the minor places, with Evan just getting there 1 sec ahead of Isamu, 40:09.3 to 40:10.6. Rhydian Cowley was the first of the local Australian walkers to finish, coming in fourth with 40:54.7. Further back, 19 year old Mexican Carlos Mercenario walked a 42 sec PB to finish with 41:28.9. The battle of the juniors saw Mitchell Baker of ACT (45:09.3) finish ahead of Corey Dicksonof Victoria (45:12.5) and Will Thompson of Victoria (a huge PB of 45:31.8).
Sixteen athletes at the start and all completed the race.
10.000m women track walk
Victory for Anezka Drahotova (CZE) with a time of 44:34.5
Second place to Alana Barber (NZL) in 44:57.2
Third place to Jemima Montag (AUS) in 45:05.9