Gold Medals Shine as more Records Broken on Day Two of UniSport Nationals Athletics

The second day of the UniSport Nationals Athletics Championship wrapped up yesterday, delivering an action-packed afternoon on the Gold Coast with a series of standout performances, personal bests, and even a new championship record.

Leading the charge was Rebecca Henderson from The University of Melbourne, who produced a sensational performance in the women’s 5000m Race Walk. The Olympian crossed the finish line in 21:41.03, setting a new championship record and achieving a personal best.

Rebecca Henderson during the women's 5000m Race Walk

Henderson, currently completing a Doctor of Medicine and whose impressive résumé includes representing Australia at two Olympics, praised the atmosphere of the meet:

“It is a great event. The Gold Coast has a holiday, relaxing and fun vibe. Hopefully I will be back next year.”  Read more about Rebecca Henderson

In a great day for The University of Melbourne, Marcus Wakin matched Henderson's success in the men’s 5000m Race Walk, winning gold with a season-best 20:40.32 and sealing a double podium for the university in the discipline.

Rebecca Henderson and Marcus Wakin both won gold for The University of Melbourne

Sprinters brought the heat across both the men's and women’s 100m finals. Jai Gordon from University of Southern Queensland took out the men’s final with a rapid 10.39, while Olivia Rose Inkster of UTS sprinted to victory in the women’s final with a wind-assisted 11.50w.

In the 400m final, Jordan Gilbert (The University of Melbourne) powered through to claim gold with a personal best of 46.57, continuing The University of Melbourne’s dominant form on the track.

Hurdles events also brought drama and excitement. Tiahna Skelton and Ebony Newton delivered a 1-2 finish for The University of Newcastle in the women’s 100m hurdles final B, while Erin Hamilton from UTAS claimed silver in the women’s final A. Kunal Menon added to the Australian College of Physical Education’s medal tally by winning gold in the 110m men’s hurdles final A with a season-best 14.93.  Jeremy Shum added to Monash’s University medal tally by winning gold in the 110m men’s hurdles final B with a time of 14.89. 

Other gold medal highlights included Tamsin Colley (T36, F36) taking top honours in the women’s 200m final, and Ben Bishop from The University of Sydney, who powered home in the 3000m steeplechase with a season-best 9:26.66.

Our amazing para-athletes set new championship records across a range of events including: 

• James Tirado (UNSW) T13 – Men’s 100m 11.62 sec 

• Summer Giddings (MQU) T35 – Women's 100m 16.76 sec, Women’s 200m 38.29  

• Lillee Wakefield (UniSA) F20 – Women's Discus 25.05 

• Ella Hose (RMIT) F37 – Women's Discus 25.78 

• Isla Gillespie (MELB) T35 – Women's Discus 16.37 

With two thrilling days now behind us, all eyes turn to Day Three, the final day of competition, which will be streamed live and free on UniSportTV. Don’t miss a moment as the nation's best student-athletes go for gold.