JOSH Mather is hoping to use his stunning win in last night’s Black Opal 400m final as a springboard to national honours.
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The 18-year-old from Melbourne dominated his heat and semi-final before cruising to the biggest win of his career in the final.
“I came seventh in this race last year, so I was really keen to go better this year,’’ Mather said.
“I’ve felt good all weekend. My heat and semi-final runs were good.
“The final was tougher, but I always felt I was going well. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Mather (9m) ran 47.7 seconds for the 400m to defeat Jayson Hayes-Hornibrook (16m) and Rory Nunn (19m).
Mather collected the first prize of $3500 and a Black Opal valued at $9000.
After running slick times of 47.6 and 47.06 in his heat and semi-final, Mather was sent out a long odds-on favourite for the final.
“My form has been good this season without winning,’’ Mather said.
“I’ve run a few thirds and fourths and a couple of seconds.
“It’s good to win a big one like this. I’ve been working really hard for this.”
Mather said he’d love to take on Australia’s best 400m runners in the future and push for a Commonwealth and/or Olympic Games berth.
“I’m keen to have a crack at the amateurs down the track,’’ Mather said.
“I still aspire to run for Australia one day.
“I’ve got a lot of improving to do, but if I stick at it anything could happen.”
More reports – tomorrow