Catherine soars to golden heights

UQ SPORT scholarship holder Catherine Drummond has leapt into contention to represent Australia at the World University Games in August after claiming gold in the high jump at the recent Melbourne IAAF Grand Prix.

Ranked ninth in Australia before the event, Catherine overcame a strong field including Australian number one Ellen Pettitt to soar into first position with a personal best jump of 1.81 metres.

The youngest competitor in the open field, 19-year-old Ms Drummond said all her training had finally paid off.

“It was so unexpected to win in Melbourne but I knew I’d done the training and put in the hard work,” she said.

“I was way overdue for a P.B (personal best), I knew I could do it and I just had to get my head around it. I just didn’t think and I jumped and it worked out for me so I was really happy.”

Ms Drummond said at times she had cracked under the pressure when competing against the best athletes in Australia, but now was feeling at home in the women’s open field.

“I was very nervous, it was my first open win and I was the youngest competitor there,” she said.

“Three of the girls had been to the Commonwealth Games, Petrina (Petrina Price) had been to the past Olympics and World Championships so I was feeling as though I was in over my head.

“I’d let that get to me before which is why I hadn’t competed well against them but I’m starting to settle into the open field and I think last week I really made my mark.”

A UQ Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts student, Ms Drummond continued the fine form that saw her claim gold in the National Club Championships in Hobart last month at the 85th Australian Championships held in Brisbane recently (9 -11 March).

The meet doubled as the Telstra-A selection trials, and Ms Drummond pushed her case to represent Australia at the World University Games in Bangkok by finishing equal third with a jump of 1.8m.

“I’m aiming for the World University Games in August and my coach thinks that’s well within my reach so
that’s what I’m setting my sights on.”

Aside from her training, Ms Drummond is also an athletics coach at UQ SPORT helping high-school students to reach their potential.

Media: Melina Stephanos at UQ SPORT (07 3346 7519, melinas@uqsport.uq.edu.au)