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Ashman's smile tells a story
Athletics
by Gordon Armstrong
Portside Messenger
6 Feb 12
CLASSIC WIN: Claire Ashman took out the 400m
Women's Classic at Camden on Sunday. Picture: Luke Hemer.
CLAIRE Ashman’s beaming smile five metres out from the winning post at last Sunday’s 400m Women’s Classic could be seen by many when she was declared the winner by racecaller Terry McAuliffe.
A dream finally realised, Ashman, 25, defied her opposition at Camden Oval all the way up the home straight to beat local runners Megan Letton and Lauren McHugh. Ashman won in 54.31 seconds off a handicap of 36m to win her first Classic.
For Ashman it was another tick in the box as far as her athletics career was concerned.
“I was so happy to win. It’s definitely the best race of my career so far,” she said.
“Halfway through the race I wasn’t feeling too good but then I realised how much I really wanted to win it.
“I was fifth in the final last year but to win it was just special.
“I really wanted to guts it out to the line. To get a sash at the Bay Sheff meeting would top things off.”
Ashman, 25, is the president of Flinders Athletics Club. She is coached by Toby Schreier and teaches at Westminster School, Marion.
“I just really love the club,” Ashman said of Flinders.
“My coach Toby Schreier and my boyfriend Shane Thiele (who ran third in the 1600m open) have been very supportive.”
Ashman's smile tells a story
Athletics
by Gordon Armstrong
Portside Messenger
6 Feb 12
CLASSIC WIN: Claire Ashman took out the 400m
Women's Classic at Camden on Sunday. Picture: Luke Hemer.
CLAIRE Ashman’s beaming smile five metres out from the winning post at last Sunday’s 400m Women’s Classic could be seen by many when she was declared the winner by racecaller Terry McAuliffe.
A dream finally realised, Ashman, 25, defied her opposition at Camden Oval all the way up the home straight to beat local runners Megan Letton and Lauren McHugh. Ashman won in 54.31 seconds off a handicap of 36m to win her first Classic.
For Ashman it was another tick in the box as far as her athletics career was concerned.
“I was so happy to win. It’s definitely the best race of my career so far,” she said.
“Halfway through the race I wasn’t feeling too good but then I realised how much I really wanted to win it.
“I was fifth in the final last year but to win it was just special.
“I really wanted to guts it out to the line. To get a sash at the Bay Sheff meeting would top things off.”
Ashman, 25, is the president of Flinders Athletics Club. She is coached by Toby Schreier and teaches at Westminster School, Marion.
“I just really love the club,” Ashman said of Flinders.
“My coach Toby Schreier and my boyfriend Shane Thiele (who ran third in the 1600m open) have been very supportive.”
