Exceptional end to Gift

A surge of elite interstate and metropolitan athletes added further spice to an electric weekend of competition at the 2019 WesTrac Bunbury Geographe Gift.

The two-day event, which enjoyed a 54 per cent increase of athlete entries, hosted a variety of track events where South West athletes had their chance to go up against some of the nation’s best.

Both showpiece 120m sprints were held in the final half hour of competition on Sunday and both delivered grandstand finishes.

Eliza Wilson was mobbed by jubilant family members and friends following her impressive victory in the City of Bunbury women’s 120m sprint.

After Sophie Watts and reigning champion Kiara Reddingius threatened to get a march on the field in the early stages, Wilson put her foot down and motored past her rivals in the final 20m, finishing well clear of runner-up Alanah Yukich who also kicked home late.

Post-race, a breathless Wilson was delighted to have recorded such a major victory in Bunbury.

“I’m happy to be able to run here and the fact I’ve won a gift is amazing,” she said.

“It’s such a unique part of the world – especially for a race as you are right next to the beach.

“It’s good because it is relatively local for Perth people. And the fact that I do training sessions here and have been able to win today makes it even better.”

South Australian Jesse Cordoma is unlikely to forget his trip to Bunbury any time soon after a resounding win in the 2019 WesTrac Bunbury Geographe Gift men’s 120m final.

Finishing in 12.53 seconds, the Croweater was followed in by Asad Hosseini and John Evans and was humbled by the experience.

“I never expected this to happen,” Cordoma said post-race. “I just stayed composed and did exactly what I’ve always done. The conditions were lovely in the end.”