12 Feb 2009

AIS scholarship holder Tristan Thomas will line up against World champion Bershawn Jackson, Commonwealth Games champion LJ Van Zyl at the end of the month.

Jackson and Van Zyl are the latest names to join a stellar cast of international stars set to compete in Sydney (Feb 28) and Melbourne (March 5).

Thomas said competing against the world-class pair this summer would provide valuable competition, as he chases the much sought after ‘A’ qualifying time of 49.25 for the Berlin world championships.

The 22-year-old has been one of the standout performers of the Australian season to date.

After taking out the 800m at the Zatopek in December, he broke the Tasmanian 400m flat record in Canberra a month later before clocking a new best time over the 400m hurdles in Hobart two weeks ago - three personal bests over three events, in less than seven weeks.

A member of the Target 2012 development squad, the reigning national champion has his eyes on London, and can only benefit from the pair’s Australian visit.

“As a developing athlete it’s great to be around people that are faster than you are. It gives you an opportunity to get better and achieve,” said Thomas.

“By running against the world champion and Commonwealth Games champion, it will be great to have the added hype and nerves. Jackson has the potential to do anything and LJ is always in shape and finishes really hard.

“I’m hoping the A-qualifier for Berlin will come in the next few weeks so it will relieve a bit of pressure and give me some added confidence ahead of Sydney and Melbourne. “

Jackson and Van Zyl have met 22 times over their career, the American having the upper hand on 14 occasions.

Sydney Track Classic – Sydney Olympic Park – Saturday 28 February 2009
World Athletics Tour - Olympic Park Melbourne – Thursday 5 March 2009