TASMANIAN javelin thrower Hamish Peacock won the battle and very nearly the war at the Hunter Track Classic at the weekend.
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Peacock's throw of 82.76 metres fell an agonising 24 centimetres short of securing qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics but was enough to clinch victory for the 25-year-old at the Newcastle event.
From six attempts, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist recorded throws of 79.60m, 81.14m, 79.83m, 77.07m, 82.76m and 81.76m to win from New South Welshman Matthew Outzen's 79.71m effort.
Peacock will have another chance to top the 83 metre qualification standard in front of a home crowd at Hobart's Briggs Athletics Classic on February 13.
North Launceston runner James Hansen was another Tasmanian to put in a strong performance at the Classic, recording an 8:08.61 for the men's 3000m.
The 22-year-old finished in 12th spot, 20 seconds behind Australian 1500m record-holder Ryan Gregson, who clocked in at 7:47.73.
The Australian Athletics Tour will visit seven more locations across the country before athletes have the chance to win automatic nomination for Australian Olympic team selection at the national championships in March.
