Sport
4 January, 2024
Wilson's Victorian voyage yields men's 400 victory
Golden Grove’s Ben Wilson had to do a lot of weaving to eventually take victory in the men’s 400 m final, but having come all the way from Adelaide to compete, it was all worth it. “It’s great. I had to weave my way through a few runners...
Golden Grove’s Ben Wilson had to do a lot of weaving to eventually take victory in the men’s 400 m final, but having come all the way from Adelaide to compete, it was all worth it.
“It’s great. I had to weave my way through a few runners, but thankfully I got through and the gap opened up. I’m very happy with the result,” he said.
Wilson’s work saw him eventually overtake Hayden Petherick for the win, scoring with a time of 47.212 to win from Petherick’s 47.350, while Joseph McKinnon finished third with a time of 47.848.
Wilson wanted to have another crack at winning the title after coming close in last year’s 400 m restricted final.
“I came up here last year and made the final in the 400 restricted and finished fourth, so to come up here again and get into the final was the first job that needed to be done, and then to go one better is amazing,” he said.
That included a good training run back home in South Australia at the McKinnon Parade Athletics Club, who Wilson credits for helping him be at his best.
“I’m down from Adelaide, so I run from McKinnon Parade. It’s good to get out there, train with the boys and everyone else around there,” he said.
Wilson was also quick to praise his father and his brother, who he says helps keep him grounded as he continues to pursue his best form in athletics.
“It definitely comes down to training with my dad and brother, they push me along. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here for sure,” he said.