Laughing at the Starting Line: Jessica Hull’s Whirlwind Journey to Align with Her Racing Schedule

PERTH: Jessica Hull couldn’t help but chuckle as she lined up for the first day of the Australian athletics championships, struggling to believe she was about to compete in Perth a mere five days after racing in the Caribbean.

The Olympic silver medallist participated in the inaugural Grand Slam Track season’s opening leg in Jamaica on Saturday night local time, then ventured to Perth via New York City and Hong Kong, before lacing up for the 1500 metres heats at WA Athletics Stadium on Thursday afternoon local time.

Hull clinched victory in her heat with a time of 4:09.26, securing her spot in the final and finishing ahead of Georgia Griffith (4:09.53) and Izzy Thornton-Bott (4:17.01).

Although she felt optimistic about the race, the early jog around Perth’s Swan River on Tuesday morning didn’t sit well with her.

The Nike-sponsored athlete landed in Perth at 10:30 pm on Monday, caught some rest, and awoke feeling terrible, which is likely what anyone would experience after crossing various time zones in such a short timeframe.

This challenge is a common occurrence for many professional runners, particularly those from Australia.

“I anticipated I would be up quite early, so as soon as my anti-doping whereabouts hour wrapped up at 7am (Tuesday), I set off for a run. It felt dreadful,” Hull recounted to reporters after her heat.

“I covered eight [kilometres]. I realised how bad it was when I turned back and could still see my dad behind me,” she laughed, “because he was trailing behind and I normally leave him well behind.”

Hull will return to WA Athletics Stadium for the 1500m final at 5:55 pm on Saturday Perth time, followed by the 5000m final at 3:10 pm on Sunday.

She competed in both the 800m and 1500m events at the Grand Slam Track over the weekend, participating in the Kingston leg of American sprint legend Michael Johnson’s lucrative league.

“I stood on the start line laughing [in Perth]; I was in Jamaica just three days ago, and here I am,” Hull remarked.

“I felt I needed some activity in my legs just to revive my senses. I believe I’ll feel even better on Saturday. I was pleasantly surprised with how I felt [in the heat]. I thought to myself, ‘I feel surprisingly good.’

In other news, teenage prodigy Cameron Myers won his 1500m heat with an impressive time of 3:38.20 on Thursday afternoon, finishing over three seconds ahead of his nearest competitor.

The 18-year-old recently spent three weeks training at high altitude in Perisher after returning in February from a three-event tour in the US.

A year ago, he finished fifth in the 1500m final at the national championships in Adelaide, a performance that significantly impaired his chances of being considered for selection to the Paris Olympics.

Ultimately, Adam Spencer, Oliver Hoare, and Stewart McSweyn secured the three available spots for Australian athletes.

Myers is almost certain to make his senior international debut at the world championships in Tokyo this September.

“I was a bit complacent last year and perhaps a little naive, not really knowing what to expect,” the Canberra local shared with reporters.

“This time, I’m not settling for anything. I’m eager to put in the hard work and showcase my talent against these competitors.”