Paris beckons for Queensland`s best

Brisbane steeplechaser Peter Nowill is a late inclusion into the Australian Athletics team for this month's World Championships in Paris.

The UQ Athletics Club star has been rewarded as Queensland's first World Championship steeplechaser after form on the European circuit demanded selection for the World Championships.

Nowill has been threatening a world-class performance over the 3000m steeplechase since taking to the event in 2000 and it took a strong field in Luzern, Switzerland in June to slash his personal best by 4 seconds.

The 24-year-old cardiac technician elevated himself to number 4 on the all-time Australian 3000m steeplechase list in a time of 8:26.13, marginally outside the Olympic A-qualifying standard.

The three-time National champion becomes Australia's first 3000m steeplechase representative at the World Championships since 1997 and departs this weekend to link with the Australian team in London.

Renowned distance coach Pat Clohessy, who has overseen leading Australian athletes like Shaun Creighton, Rob de Castella and Simon Doyle, has guided Nowill from a fledgling runner to one of the countryÍs brightest prospects.

The UQ head coach said Nowill has made a remarkable rise to the top of his sport.

"It is a tribute to Peter's consistency and dedication that he's been able to progress to a world-class standard while combining full-time work as a cardiac technician," Mr Clohessy said.

"He hasn't been competing over the steeple for long, and his recent run in Switzerland, where he ran an Olympic qualifier for Athens, points to a bright future.

Nowill will contest the first round of the 3000m steeplechase on August 23 and if all goes to plan will line up for the final on August 26.

Media: For further information contact Rowan Foster on (07) 3365 6041 or 0421 976 972.