Twin talent … Twins Michael and Andrew Peska are among the country’s best discus throwers. 55239 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Michael Esposito
FOR Andrew Peska, London could be just five metres away.
That’s the extra distance he needs to throw to have a shot at representing Australia in discus at the 2012 Olympic Games.
The 21-year-old Hoppers Crossing resident narrowly missed out on a Commonwealth Games berth this year, but London is firmly in his sights.
“Last year I threw 56 (metres), the Commonwealth Games qualifier was 58, so I just missed out then,” Andrew said.
A throw of 64.5m would almost guarantee an Olympics berth. It’s what’s known as an A qualifier. A 61m throw (B qualifier), would at least put him in contention for the Games.
“This year I’ve got a really good chance of throwing 60m, and maybe the year after, get up to the 61, 62 mark and hopefully just throw out a random 64-and-a-half or something like that, because that’s what usually happens, that’s how they usually get into the team,” he said.
Andrew’s twin brother Michael is no slouch either with the discus. While the Olympics might just be out of his grasp, Michael thinks the 2014 Commonwealth Games is in striking distance.
“I sort of have to get on the protein and build up muscle, but after seeing the Delhi Games, I want to go to Glasgow.
“That’s a goal for me I reckon. An Olympic qualifier is a little bit too far in two years but a Commonwealth qualifier is in range for me,” Michael said.
“If I don’t get up to international competitive level now, I can probably still get it by then. I only need to get another 10-14 metres in four years and I’m there.”
The good news is that discus throwers tend to peak in their mid-to-late 20s, so the Peskas, both Western Athletics Club members, have plenty of time to hone their skills.
Andrew has dominated the sport at junior level. He won the Australian under 20 title in 2008, and before that, and placed second in the Olympic Youth Festival in 2005.
At the Australian championships last year he finished ninth overall.
The twins, also accomplished shot put and javelin throwers, both have massive training regimes, practicing six days a week, including a four-hour Sunday session, with Ballarat-based trainer Lindsay Burgoyne.
In a case of a father following in his sons’ footsteps, Stan Peska had his first attempt at the javelin in the opening round of the Athletics Victoria Shield three weeks ago.
“He needs a little bit of improvement. But he was quite good for a first crack at it to be honest,” Andrew said.
Michael added: “He’ll warm up and he’ll do well. I reckon his goal for this year is 30 metres for discus, and his goal for javelin is 30 metres as well. He’ll get there.”
