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thletics 19 athletics
I always knew in the back of my mind that I am beter than everyone, that I am the best.
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mind that I am beter than everyone, that I am the best. “It’s just been about getting positive messages back in my mind again. I lost a lot of confidence during the season getting smashed by everyone, but I got out there today and luckily it all came on the right day.” Ross has taken the opportunity to reinforce these messages by leaving notes for himself on everyday items in his home, as well as writing messages on the palm of his hand before each race. Prior to the national final, his palm contained a sentimental message about his grandmother, who passed away last year, as well as more aggressive calls to action like ‘be hungry like a dog’ and ‘no one can beat you’. Whatever it is that has rejuvenated Ross, there is certainly still some way to go before he rekindles the form that he showed midway through the decade, where he was virtually undefeatable amongst Australia’s sprinters. Athletics Australia’s approach in directing Ross and the other members of the six man squad selected to contest the 4x100m to focus solely on the relay in Berlin allows him the time to regain that form, without being judged unmercifully by the stopwatch on every occasion. Heraclitus may have been concerned about the approach of men in crossing rivers, but there is now every opportunity for Ross to build a bridge over the troubled waters he has encountered in the past and move forward with his career.
4The infield display clock showing the winning time of this years national championships. Inset: Ross on his way to victory
A CAREER OF HIGHS & LOWS: 2003 Bursts onto the athletics scene by winning the Stawell Gift off a mark of seven metres 2004 Wins the 100m at the national titles and is selected for the Athens Olympics, where he makes the quarter finals. 2005 Becomes only the second man to win Stawell twice and off scratch. Retains national 100m title and makes the semis at the world championships. 2006 Wins nationals again but is knocked out in the semi finals at the Commonwealth Games. 2007 Under relatively unknown coach Emil Rizk clocks 10.08 to win nationals and also captures the 200m. Obviously fatigued and depressed, runs poorly in Osaka to exit in the quarter finals. 2008 Runs only one race during the domestic season and doesn’t qualify for Beijing.
4Ross showed he still had all of his moves with some unique dancing after his victory.