Seven events, one outstanding result: Heptathlete second at state champs
Track and Field
Douglas heptathlete Unity Beitzel’s Olympic dream is one step closer after she recently qualified for the national championships taking place in April.
At just 22, Unity finished second in the Women's Open Heptathlon event at the recent Queensland Combined Event Championships.
“There were nine or 10 of us girls trying to qualify for nationals,” Unity says.
“I set my personal best in my three track events; hurdles, the 200m and the 800m.”
Following her excellent result in the event, which features seven track and field disciplines put together to achieve an overall total score, Unity will compete at the April Australian Open Track and Field Championships in Adelaide.
She will be training six days a week for the various events in the lead-up to the titles.
“It can be really hard because you need a mix of endurance, speed and strength,” she says.
“Really, it’s about bringing it all together.”
Unity began competing in heptathlons while at Mossman State High School, where she took part in a large range of sports.
“When I was 15 my coach Greg Hamilton told me I should give (heptathlon) a try.”
Her biggest goal is to compete in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“To qualify for the Olympics I essentially need to be in the top three in the country.
“I also need ranking points and a heptathlete score to be one of the top in the world.”
Unity is looking for more sponsors to help her achieve her dream. Details: [email protected]
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