Following their achievements across the 2018/19 season, the OVA Southern Saints wish to congratulate the following members on their recognition as nominees for the Athletics Tasmania athlete of year.

• Alice Randall (U20 Women, Distance/Walks IS Women)
• Anna Blackwell (U18 Women, Distance/Walks IS Women)
• Julia Direen (U18 Women, Throws Women)
• William Robertson (U16 Men, Distance/Walks IS Men)
• Ella Atkins (U14 Women)
• Ryan Cooper (Jumps/Combined Men)
• Jacob Despard (Sprints/Hurdles Men)
• Bec Kovacic (Sprints/Hurdles Women)
• Brian Lyons (Distance/Walks OOS Men)

It's been a great season for OVA, as we continue to welcome new members to senior athletics in Hobart as well as the continued progression of our athletes.

Our race walkers Alice, William and Anna have been busy in 2018/19.

William's reward for effort came at the 2019 Australian Age Championships where he claimed first place in the U17 5,000m, leading to his selection in the Australian U18 Oceania team.

Joining Will on the trip is Alice and Anna in the U20 10,000m race walk - both of whom took out first and second place at the Australian Championships also.

Ryan Cooper has continued his progression as one of the states best jumpers, with a gold medal in the triple jump at the Tasmanian Championships as well as a bronze in the 100m.

Ella Atkins rounded off her incredible first full senior athletics season with a silver in the U15 2,000m steeple at the Age Championships, as well as setting a new Tasmanian U15 1500m record in Penguin earlier in the year.

Jacob Despard set up his Australian nationals campaign in style, claiming the 100m state title. Jacob also recently represented Australia in one of the teams participating in the 4x100m relay.

Following her successful 2019 Tasmanian Age Championships, Bec Kovacic rounded off her local season placing 6th in the Open Women's 100m final as well as anchoring home the Open Women's 4x100m team to bronze.

Julia Direen returned to some great form over the back half of the season, claiming second overall (first Tasmanian) in the Open Women's Hammer Throw with a best of 44.15m and we're excited to see her return to her best over the coming months.

Brian Lyons started 2019 by heading to the Tokyo Marathon where he ran an impressive time of 2:29.22. He also took out the Tasmanian Marathon champion title at the Cadbury Marathon.

We wish the athletes the best of luck on Saturday 25th May at the awards evening, and congratulate all OVA members on a successful 2018/19 season.

Don't forget - our own OVA AGM and Awards Evening is coming up on June 15th from 6:00pm. It's $10 for a delicious spit roast and an evening of good fun! #goOVA