Happy Hooker extends win streak to six

(Saturday, 28 February 2009)

Building on his recent run of good form, Olympic pole vault champion Steve Hooker recorded his sixth straight victory of 2009, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 7480 at tonight’s Sydney Track Classic.

The 26-year-old was the last man standing in the pole vault draw, his leap of 5.95m easily defeating Olympic silver medallist Yevgeniy Lukyanenko (5.45m) of Russia.

Hooker cleared 5.60m, 5.80m, and 5.95m before having three unsuccessful attempts at a new Australian record height of 6.10m.

“There were quite good conditions at the end of the competition, and I started to get on some pretty decent poles,” Hooker said.

“I thought I was a real chance of jumping 6.10m but it was just stand placement which cost me on my second attempt.

“I’m a bit mentally tired from all the travel, but that’s my longest break I’ve had between competitions this season.

“So physically I feel quite fresh and I felt fantastic on the runway.

“I love jumping on the runway here and it’s a similar runway to Melbourne. So hopefully I can pull out another big result there and have another crack at something over six metres.”

Seven world championships A-qualifying standards were set on a sensational night of athletics action, Tamsyn Lewis (400m – 51.44), Dani Samuels (discus – 62.81m), Tristan Thomas (400m hurdles – 48.86), Sally McLellan (100m hurdles – 12.84), Sean Wroe (400m – 45.28), the men’s 4 x 100m team (38.96) and Hooker all starring.

With thanks to Athletics Australia.