Four Virginians competed in the Down Under Games in Australia this past month with a large group of high school cross country runners across the country. Two athletes in particular performed very well in the United States vs. Australia 5K race this past week in Brisbane, Australia.
Andre McLean of L.C. Bird High School (Chesterfield, Va.) and Phillip Blankenship of Kempsville High School (Virginia Beach, Va.) both placed in the top 10 individually. McLean (pictured right by Ben Hovis), a rising senior, finished fourth overall as the third American finisher in a time of 16:46. Blankenship, a recent graduate, finished eighth overall in a time of 17:02. In an earlier race with only American runners on the trip which also made a pit-stop in Hawaii, Blankenship finished ahead of McLean in 6th place at a time of 16:43.
Also running in the Down Under Games from Virginia were Tony McBride of Spotsylvania and Bennett Witcher of Lord Botetourt.
The track & field portion of the Down Under Games were held earlier this month in which a total of 7 Virginian preps competed in the event. The top individual performer from Virginia was Green Run's Monica Williams who won the 400 meter dash for her age division in 57.16 and finished third in the 200 meter dash in 25.56.
Down Under Games - US vs. Australia Race
Down Under Games - All-American Race
Q&A Interview with Andre McLean
I understand it costs about $4,500 for athletes to make the trip for the Down Under Games. How were you able to raise the money to go? Luckily, I had alot of family support. I also held a few different raffles. I asked my doctor's office for donations. Neighbors and other supporters sent in donations as well. People from the deaf community gave as well.
How was the travel over? Amazing but long flights. On the way back into the United States, Customs stopped me because of all my medals in my bag. But once they saw what they were, they let me back in fine.
How did your fellow teammates on the trip respond and adapt to you being deaf? Many have learned how to sign to me. At first, they used their cell phones to text me. I have made many friends. They asked me if I can read their lips and I said, " a little." They have been real nice to me. After I get back home, I hope to remain friends with them all and with some from Australia.
Talk about your two races and how they went for you? For the first race against the Americans, I still had jetlag a little and my body was sore to run like I usually do. I did 17:17 but I was not the first Virginian to finish. The second race was great. I tried my best to win this race but I finished 4th overall with a PR of 16:46. I ran on two different courses which were grassy. For both courses, we had to run the same loop twice.
What has been your favorite part of the trip so far? I have many things I have enjoyed. Winning a medal ,of course, was a great highlight. I also enjoyed the Pacific Ocean because the water is amazing. Learning about the different cultures has been enlightening. The Q1 resort is the world's tallest residentual apartments and we stayed there for most of our trip.