Could not agree more that armchair critics “sit back and comment on the performance of our athletes in Rio”.

Without too much more to say, and as Dave has previously said, our sport of track and field is the most competitive sport in the world.

Our athletes have made this elite group by meeting challenging qualifying times and distances, and can proudly say they are among the very best in the world.

I believe this team showed the progression that many of our athletes are taking, and above all they are believing in themselves.

There is huge talent among them, there is youth and there is experience – it is possibly one of the best all-round teams that Australia has put on the track.

Our local athletes can see what top local athletes Madeline Hills and Ryan Gregson have achieved, and they too can strive to emulate them –  what more can you ask?

Now Blue Stars athletes have one final round of cross-country next Sunday on the lovely Bulli course before they pull off their joggers and put on their spikes for a summer of  exciting track and field events. The cross-country round will commence at 10am.

 Then it’s onto the track the following Sunday, September 18. Blue Stars will hold an open afternoon starting at 2pm with events in all ages, including sprints, middle distance and throws and jumps to enable the athletes to  shed the “winter blues”. They can also order their uniforms and register for summer.

IBS encourages family participation, dual registration with Little A’s, and a great afternoon of outdoor sport. The committee of the club and coaches will be on hand to offer advice, information and guidance to new members whilst former members are asked to bring any equipment or uniforms they wish to sell.

Heading into the summer season, Blue Stars members have had some exciting performances during school meets  which looks good for their performances during the season. Masters athletes heading to Perth will use the September early October period for final preparation as they head into the World Masters Championships.

The club’s final round of Winter Series held two weeks ago saw some top performances by not only our own club athletes but visiting  athletes, giving our local athletes  some varying competition.

Dates to remember and put into diary: Sunday, September 18, open of summer track and field – IBS, 2pm Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre.

Sunday, October 9: ANSW and IBS to host an open meet: starting at 1pm (an hour earlier than usual Sunday comp, but open to all registered athletes). Ideal preparation for All Schools athletes and World Masters – enter through ANSW website. A full program of both track and field.

Let’s move into the summer season of track and field and regardless of age and ability Blue Stars can cater for all people interested in the sport of track and field. Coaches are available to assist you if you don’t have a coach. Our congratulations are extended to our members who took part in many of the winter cross-country events and road walks, and hope you will extend those performances onto the track.