Carnival attracts past Burnie Gift winners

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BY CAMRON SLESSOR (THE ADVOCATE)

THREE former Burnie Gift winners will battle it out for the ultimate prize at next month’s Burnie New Year’s Day Carnival.

Last year’s winner and runner-up will once again feature in the race, joining a host of high-profile athletes.

Announced at the Burnie New Year’s Day Carnival Launch held in Burnie last night, Christmas carnivals promoter Richard Welsh confirmed reigning champion Simon Fitzpatrick would once again compete, as well as last year’s pre-race favourite, Jacob Despard, whom he beat in a photo-finish.

Joining the pair will be 2013 Stawell Gift winner Andrew Robinson as well as 2010 Burnie Gift winner, Ollie Wurm from Victoria.

Welsh said the confirmation of Andrew Robinson, Ollie Wurm and Jacob Despard brought a big boost to the event.

“Andrew beamed into the national spotlight in 2013 and has changed coach this year to Melbourne-based Brad Armstrong,” Welsh said.

“He is really returning to form this year and has convinced former winner Ollie Wurm to return as well.

“Jacob Despard won the 2013 Burnie Gift and went to the World Junior Championships last year in the 4x100m, so brings a lot of experience as well.”

Welsh also shared his delight with the return of reigning champion, Simon Fitzpatrick.

“It’s great to have Simon Fitzpatrick come back again, he is the former 800m champion in Victoria and it’s always great to have the champion running again,” he said.

Not only has the carnival received a boost on the track, next month’s event will feature a host of international woodchopping competitors as well as an expanded program.

A trio of world-class Swiss axemen will compete, with Jeff Ryser, Mathias Knorr and Christian Haller confirmed for the expanded program which will feature more events in the main arena.

The Swiss trio have regularly competed in the Timbersports World Championships and the competitive chainsaw specialists are also considered top underhand chop and standing block exponents.

Tasmanian competitors set to compete include Matthew and Daniel Gurr of Deloraine, Dale Beams of Winkleigh, as well as multiple Tasmanian champion Kody Steers of Sheffield.

Events to be held in the main arena will include the Henry Munday Memorial 300mm tree felling, William Adams Three-Man Relay and the North West Mowers Tasmanian 400mm Standing Championship.

The expanded woodchopping competition includes a 225mm standing handicap for the first time and the return of the 300mm underhand.

Other events to be contested are the 250mm standing handicap, 250mm veterans handicap and the emerging champions 300mm standing handicap.