Normally at this time its pre-season preparation for Russel Taib, with the Australian domestic competition selection process becoming the targeted focus for training.
However understandably this year continues to require further adaptation.
Athletics Australia confirmed in September that eight National Championship events that were due to be held in 2020 have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure the health and wellbeing of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and staff.
“Athletics Australia has continued to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and assess all opportunities and risks associated with conducting National Championships events,” said Darren Gocher, CEO of Athletics Australia.
“It has been determined to cancel these National Championships events in the best interests of the health and wellbeing of our athletics community. We’ve also strongly considered the logistical and movement restrictions in place with particular regard to state and territory border closures, which makes these National Championship events inaccessible to all.”
Any decision will take into consideration the current health and safety guidelines imposed by authorities and information regarding the status of these events will be made available as soon as possible.
However due to the relatively low numbers of Covid in Australia (bar a recent increase in South Australia) on Sunday the Victorian State Government announced a further easing of restrictions that will come into effect on Sunday 22 November.
In light of forthcoming changes, the hope is most state athletics can soon now plan to proceed with a calendar of club events beginning in January.
Whilst the broad nature of the information released gives the league every confidence to prepare for competition in January, we are all seeking further clarification around some items to ensure the events can be reinstated within the restrictions and conditions continue to improve and stabilise.
TeamTaib understand that while things look like they are slowly returning to some form of normal for many, our season will still look a little different and when the guidelines are updated (based on new information from the State Government) we can tell you exactly what to expect and will do our best to be ready.
For now, enjoy the sunshine, keep training, stay safe, and we hope to see you on the track sometime in 2021.