Rio-bound Clarke and Turner join team NSWIS

There’s been double delight for the NSWIS in the past few weeks with Rio-bound marathon runner Milly Clark and T36 Para 800m runner James Turner joining team NSWIS. 

Originally from Launceston, the now Sydney-based Clark will make her Olympic debut in Rio at the age of 27, her selection coming after running a Rio qualifying time at the 2015 Amsterdam Marathon. 

In what some may consider a strange twist of fate, as a teenager Clark was a burgeoning sprinter and accepted a scholarship to attend Drake University as a 400m hurdler. However over time her ability over longer distances prevailed. 

It wasn’t until 2014 that Clark began to seriously challenge longer distances, running her first half marathon in Sydney, before going on to win the Gold Coast half marathon later that year. 

The milestones didn’t stop there for Clark as she took major steps to setting up her future in and out of competition throughout 2015. 

Running to an outstanding finish time of 2:29.07 at the Amsterdam Marathon, Clark claimed the eighth fastest time by an Australian female in history and with it a Rio qualifying time in her very first attempt at the gruelling 42km distance. 

Meanwhile out of competition Clark completed her tertiary studies, a five-year marathon to graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport) and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics from The University of Sydney. 

While Clark may be counting down the days to Rio, Turner is still awaiting his confirmation for a place on the Australian Paralympic team. 

Despite running a qualifier for the Games in his pet T36 800M event already, the recent addition to the NSWIS track and field squad is still awaiting selection for Rio, which he hopes will be confirmed in July this year.