FIVE of Mount Isa’s best athletes recently returned from the Athletics North Queensland hosted Ozsquad camp in Townsville.

Adam Farlow, Holly Johnstone, Nikki Dickson, Mars Larsen and James Sweeney were invited to attend the five day live-in camp as a result of their excellent performances in the 2008-09 athletics season.

Top level training sessions were presented by five of Australia’s best Level 5 athletics coaches, all of whom have coached athletes to Commonwealth and Olympic Games standard.

All athletes said they had learnt many new techniques and training drills.

Mount Isa Athletics Club coach Ken Dickson observed the athletes while at the camp and said that his athletes were standouts even amongst such an elite group.

Since returning from the camp, all the athletes have improved on their personal bests and have been setting new club records on the way.

Whilst at the camp, 14-year-old sprinter Holly Johnstone was encouraged not to discount her ability at the longer events such as the 800m and was told “this may be the race for you” due to the speed and endurance she already possesses.

Upon returning to Mount Isa, Johnstone took a massive 23 seconds off her 800m time to set a new record of 2:36.0.

Larsen also improved his 15 year high jump record to 1.68m.

Sweeney smashed the 15 years boys’ javelin record at the recent district schools championships with a throw of 46.22m.

Farlow also broke the 800m record at the district championships and Dickson is now within a metre of the clubs 14 years women’s discus record.

All five athletes have been selected to represent Mount Isa at the upcoming North West Regional Schools Championships to be held in Longreach on August 22 and 23.