McSweyn and Caldwell spearhead World Cross Country medal hopes

Cover image by Steve Christo, courtesy of Athletics Australia

Stewart McSweyn and Abbey Caldwell recorded convincing victories in the trials for the mixed 4x2km relay at the World Cross Country Championships.

The duo are expected to be joined by Ollie Hoare, who bypassed the trial and will contest the Wanamaker Mile indoors in New York a week prior to Bathurst, and Australian 1500m record holder, Jessica Hull, who was second to Caldwell.

McSweyn was absolutely dominant in the men’s race, running from the front and covering the carpet-like course in 5 minutes, 10 seconds for a six second victory from Callum Davies and Jude Thomas.

“This was a different type of race. 2 kilometres sounds short but there were a few hills in that second half and it made it tough but it was a nice hit out before Bathurst,” McSweyn said.

“The mixed relay is going to be exciting. Anytime you get to wear the Aussie guernsey is a huge privilege and everyone runs 110% when you wear the green and gold. We want to beat all of the countries entered and bring it home if we can.”

It was a closer contest throughout the women’s race until the final 400 metres, when Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Caldwell pulled away from Hull, crossing the line in 5 minutes 48 seconds for a seven second margin of victory.

“It’s pretty exciting. I came in here not knowing what was going to happen. It’s the deepest field of distance runners I’ve seen in Women’s for a long time and it was really nice to be a part of,” Caldwell said.

“It was a huge privilege to cross the line first. It was an awesome experience and I am looking forward to jumping on the Mixed Relay team and seeing what we can do together.”

World Cross Country Trial Photo Gallery

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Over 350 photos courtesy of Fred Etter.

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