Felicity Loiterton (left) at weigh in. Photo: Supplied.
Attempting to understand the vagaries of sport is often a challenging task. And anyone who is riding the wave with the Raiders to the finals series would understand the highs and the lows.
But let’s give some time to others involved in sport that are facing their own trials and tribulations. The highs and lows are different in each case but they all help to build an understanding of the sometimes complex nature of sport.
If in doubt about these challenges, you need look no further than the quest by Canberra kickboxer/Muay Thai exponent, Felicity Loiterton, better known as Flip, to become the undisputed Australian champion in the flyweight division.
Everything has gone to plan. She’s in supreme physical condition following a gruelling fight camp, and 26-year-old Flip weighed in just under the required weight of 52 kilos ahead of the title fight in Sydney.
The following night as the two fighters entered the ring at 11 pm, things started to go amiss when Flip’s opponent refused to put on elbow pads as required under the NSW Full Fight Rules.
Flip says her team held their ground, stating there would be Full Fight Rules or no fight, the result being her opponent left the ring.
The sports sanctioning body declared Flip as the holder of the Australian flyweight division in Muay Thai. However, the title is frozen until contested. A disappointed yet optimistic Flip said, “I still have to fight for the Australian title but at least it will be in Canberra.” The venue will be the Hellenic Club on 29 November.
The sport of triathlon has encountered similar highs and lows over the past month following the decision to give the go ahead for an Aqua Park at Black Mountain Peninsula, an area used by Triathlon ACT for training and events.
The Australian Mixed Relay team championships along with the youth and junior series races on 18 and 19 January will go ahead but Triathlon ACT is now looking at other options for aquathlons and for children’s and novice training and races.
Triathlon ACT is now waiting to meet with the ACT Government and the National Capital Authority to consider the options available.
Meanwhile, time is running out to stage the Canberra Times Fun Run in its normal September time slot. Talks have been taking place behind the scenes but with plenty of paperwork required to close roads and so forth, it could result in the event taking place later this year or it might be put on hold until 2020.
As I have stated in the past, this event is iconic to Canberra. It is one of the city’s biggest mass participation events and raises much-needed funds for a range of charities. The hope is that it does go ahead.
If nothing else it reflects the oscillating fortunes of Canberra sport and sportspeople.
And last but definitely not least, I’m sure most of Canberra is suffering following the Raiders loss to the Manly Sea Eagles on the weekend. It is so much harder after the jubilation of their win against Melbourne Storm. But I can’t wait for the next exciting instalment; such are the highs and lows of sport.
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