Al-Ain IWAS 10k World Championships

6th February 2010

Four-time Paralympian Christie from New South Wales, Australia fought a nail biting finish, pipping Britain’s Shelly Woods by one second, finishing in 23 min. 58 sec. To secure her first major international title.

"This is just awesome," said Dawes, a 28-year-old primary school teacher.

"I came here feeling strong and looking to contend, but to finish as world champion is something else.

"I’ve been pushing great the last couple of years and have been getting closer and closer to a big win, so to finally do it is a great relief.

"Hopefully it’ll be the first of a few this year."

Kurt Fearnley meanwhile was defeated over the 10km road distance for the first time since 2006 as he finished third in the men’s race.

He led for the majority of the race but was beaten to the finishing line by Frenchmen Julien Casoli, the winner, and Denis Lemeunier in 2nd in a close fight for position at the front of a surging pack.  The winning time was 20 min. 28 sec.

He was, however, delighted for Australian teammate Dawes.

"Christie and I spend a lot of time together in training and racing around the world, and she’s always the first one there to congratulate me at the end of a race and share a celebratory beer," Fearnley said.

"She’s come close so many times and to finally breakthrough is testament to her mental toughness and character and I couldn’t be happier for her."
Maura Strange, IWAS Secretary General/Executive Director, who was present at the IWAS Championships in Al Ain echoed their sentiments and went on to say that
“ IWAS was pleased alongside the Local Organising Committee to be providing key opportunities for long distance racing within the Paralympic movement. 
We maintain our 58 year commitment to the sport of Athletics internationally in the 40’s and 50’s classes and are recognised as specialist by IPC Athletics for Paralympic movement pathway opportunities in the sport through IWAS World & Junior Games, IWAS Track & Field World Series, and IWAS Road Races”.

Please Click Here to read the Press Release