The 2015 edition of the Queanbeyan Gift has been run and won and once again the weekend has lived up to the reputation of being the best carnival in the country.

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The MBD squad was very busy over the 2 days of competition and congratulations goes to everyone who ran their heart out.

Top 3 results include

• Leigh Bennett – 300m victory (maiden pro win)
• Brendan Matthews – Back markers victory from scratch
• Reece Langdon – awesome 2nd in the 1600m race
• Melissa Breen – very close 2nd in Back markers
• Tom Hobson – strong 3rd in the 600m (Reece 4th)

Other Finalists

• Courtney Leary – Youth Girls 120m Gift
• Nicholas McEwen – Youth Boys 120m Gift
• LJ Hilditch – Women’s Back markers 100m
• Sarah Blizzard – Women’s Back markers 100m
• Vicki Matthews – Veterans 120m

The squad also featured heavily in semi finals of the Women’s and Men’s gift with 3 athletes running 3rd in their semi and missing the final by one spot (Sarah, Melissa and Leigh)

Special mention to Jonathan for competing in his first gift since joining the squad and it was also great to see Kayla back on the track and competing.

Footage of races available

Congratulations to all.

A lifestyle and environment that allows you to balance training with study and/or work because everything is only 10 minutes away!

If you are an athlete who may need to consider moving interstate next year to study it is important to consider all factors to make the right decision. Many people find themselves in an environment that isn’t ideal for their training and your development and performance suffers leaving many people dropping out of the sport completely.

You may not have given Canberra a thought but if you are looking for a location that is ideal for training then maybe you should. MattyB DEPT proudly based in Canberra provides professional coaching to athletes of all ages and boasts numerous national junior and senior champions as well as three Olympians.

Yes we have cold winters but here are just a few things that may be of interest when making your decision.

•  You are no more than 10min travel time from either ANU or University of Canberra residences to training. Less travel allows more flexibility with training and also important recovery time.
• Training in the MBD squad gives you greater access to the track than general public meaning greater flexibility around university timetables.
• Our squad does gym at the University of Canberra and MBD squad members receive a big discount on membership and access to special training areas.
• The squad has an established relationship with a local physiotherapy centre that provides screening and discounted treatment to squad members.
• We also have access to massage therapy services as discounted rates

MBD has positions available for all levels of ability, including elite, so if you are keen to explore your athletic ability then Canberra may just be the right place to balance your study and athletics.

More information on MBD can be found at www.mattybdept.com or if you wish you express interest or contact me mattybdept@gmail.com

Good luck with your results in study and athletics over the next few months.

The squad has already commenced the season with many new personal bests already being achieved. Over 10 athletes competed this weekend either in Canberra or Sydney.

Early season highlights include:

• Nicholas McEwen – Running multiple PB’s in 100m, 200m, 400m and Long Jump
• Reece Langdon – Knocking 30 seconds off his 1500m PB with a recent 4.00.53 a squad record
• Leigh Bennett – Winning 400m Hurdles at Australian University Games
• Thomas Hobson – taking bronze at Australian University Games in the 400m
• Sarah Blizzard – finalist in the 100m at Australian University Games.

It is also exciting to announce some new members of the squad for 2015-16.

• Jonathan Stefaniak
• Clare de Salis
• Katrina Scaramella

The squad also wishes the following people all the best to have either retired or moved interstate

• Brandan Galic
• Shaun Hargreaves
• Henry Hobson

With 3 weeks until the Queanbeyan Gift the squad is looking forward to a great period of racing after putting in the hard work over the winter.

Stayed tuned to the website and squad Facebook page for updates and results.