High Velocity - Illawong
The 2026 athletics year has roared into life, and for the Maximum Effort Speed & Strength Academy, the first major outing at the Illawong High Velocity Meet was nothing short of a statement. Competing at The Ridge Athletics Track in Barden Ridge, the squad arrived ready to test the limits of their summer training blocks, and the results speak volumes about the work being put in behind the scenes. With a mix of seasoned masters champions and rapidly developing talent, the academy members delivered a haul of Personal Bests and shattered records that have set a high bar for the season ahead.
Record-Breaking Speed
Leading the charge was the formidable Ashley McMahon, who proved once again why he is a cornerstone of the squad’s sprint discipline. McMahon executed a masterclass in short sprint mechanics, clocking a blistering 11.66 in the 100m dash to claim a new club record in the 50+ age bracket. Not content with a single accolade, he backed up this performance with a 24.06 in the 200m. This second result was particularly sweet, reclaiming his club record which had been briefly held by squad mate Choo Tan just weeks prior. The healthy rivalry within the academy is clearly driving standards to new heights, and McMahon’s double-record outing is a testament to his enduring quality and preparation.
Equally impressive was Monique Perry, whose explosive power was on full display in the women’s 100m. Perry stormed down the track to stop the clock at 12.45, a performance that not only secured a new club record but also etched her name into the history books with a new NSWMA 50+ State Record. It was a flawless execution of drive and maintenance phases, showcasing the technical precision the academy prides itself on. Perry also delivered a solid 26.24 in the 200m, rounding out a day of high-quality sprinting.
The PB Train
While the records grabbed the headlines, the depth of improvement across the squad was arguably the story of the meet. Archer Griffiths was the standout improver, achieving a remarkable hat-trick of Personal Bests. In the 90m Hurdles, Griffiths clocked 17.37, a massive achievement for his first time contesting the event, signalling huge room for technical growth. He carried that momentum into the flat 100m, recording a PB of 13.84, before stepping into the field to crush his 2kg Shot Put best with a throw of 10.21. His new rotational technique is already paying dividends, and the academy coaches are eager to see how far this young athlete can go.
In the field events, Chris Greatrex demonstrated his versatility and power. He secured a new Personal Best in the 6kg Shot Put with a distance of 9.77, proving his strength conditioning is translating directly to competition. He didn't stop there, also leaping to a PB of 1.45 in the High Jump, showing that speed and strength truly go hand in hand.
Sprints Squad on Fire
The PB success wasn't limited to the field. The sprint crew saw across-the-board improvements, validating the gruelling volume of the summer training cycle. Chris Mulcahy shaved time off his 200m best, crossing the line in 28.16, while also putting down a solid 13.76 in the 100m.
Martin Szeto was another athlete in fine form, powering through the bend in the 200m to secure a new PB of 25.78. His 100m time of 12.48 was just shy of his best, indicating a high level of consistency.
Matteo Passerini joined the PB club with a strong 26.16 in the 200m, showing excellent speed endurance. His 100m effort of 12.63 was consistent with his season’s trajectory, but it was the longer sprint where his hard work really shone through.
Maryann Hearn continued her excellent run of form, tackling a busy schedule with distinction. She secured a 2nd place finish in her heat of the 80m Hurdles with a time of 13.61, navigating the barriers with rhythm and aggression. She followed this up with a 13.56 in the 100m and a brilliant Personal Best of 28.61 in the 200m, proving her capacity to handle multiple high-intensity efforts in a single meet.
Building Something Special
The atmosphere at The Ridge was electric, but it was the camaraderie of the Maximum Effort squad that stood out. Every athlete, from record-breakers to PB-setters, supported one another, repping the squad with pride. The results from the Illawong High Velocity Meet are not just numbers on a page; they are indicators of a culture of excellence. We are building something special this season, and if this first meet of 2026 is anything to go by, the best is yet to come.
Huge congratulations to the entire squad for their outstanding top results. The focus now shifts to recovery and refinement as we look ahead to the next challenge on the calendar.
Location: The Ridge Athletics Track, Barden Ridge
Date: 2026-01-03