English team headed down under for Nitro Athletics Melbourne
When it comes to rivalries nothing beats an Ashes-style clash between old enemies England and Australia. That will be one of the features of the inaugural Nitro Athletics Melbourne when the England Nitro Athletics Team hits Lakeside Stadium for three nights next February.
The team from England will take on the Aussies as well as the ‘Bolt All-Stars’ which will be captained by nine-time Olympic medallist Usain Bolt, who will also compete in the series.
England Athletics Chief Executive Chris Jones is looking forward to putting their best team forward for the groundbreaking Nitro Athletics series.
“We are always looking for exciting and innovative ways to create new opportunities in our sport, whether for those taking their first steps into athletics and running or to offer unique challenges to those who have reached the very highest levels,” Jones said.
“Travelling to Australia for Nitro Athletics also affords us the opportunity to familiarise ourselves with Australian conditions ahead of our athletes’ appearance at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.”
“We are delighted to be a part of Nitro Athletics and trust that as well as being a tremendous opportunity for the athletes involved this will inspire more people to become involved in our sport and seek to fulfil their potential. This is a tremendous idea from Athletics Australia,” Jones added.
Nitro Athletics Ambassador John Steffensen is looking forward to the continued Australia v England rivalry.
“There will be many teams on the start line in Melbourne, but the mini-battle between Australia and
England will always fascinate Aussie sports fans,” Steffensen said.
“It applies across all sports, and athletics is no different - the Australians respect their English competitors, but they certainly don’t like losing to them.”
“It’s a great rivalry that has stood the test of time, going back to the days of Roger Bannister and John Landy. And it will be ignited again in Melbourne next year, and no doubt continue through to the world athletics championships in London in 2017, and onto our home soil at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games,” Steffensen added.
England Athletics and Nitro Athletics will announce team selections for the England Nitro Athletics Team in the coming weeks. The process for athletes to indicate their availability for selection will be announced shortly. [Update: details now available at www.englandathletics.org/england-athletics-news/england-athletics---nitro-athletics-selection]
You can find out more about Nitro Athletics at www.nitroathletics.com.au