Temora athletics coach Greg Wiencke recently flew out to the United States to watch one of his brightest young talents take on the world’s best juniors after years of hard work on the local Temora track. Wiencke’s role is the triple jumper, 18-year-old Daniel Okerenyang’s personal coach at the World Athletics Under 20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he will compete today (Thursday 6 August). Okerenyang earned his place at the world championships after reaching the qualifying standard at the Australian Athletics Championships in April. Wiencke said another of his talented athletes, Temora long jumper Grace Krause, came heartbreakingly close to joining him in Oregon. “They had to get their qualifying distances and Grace was just a couple of centimetres short, so she missed out on going to the world juniors for the long jump. “It’s annoying. “It's frustrating because I think she would’ve been a chance for a medal.” However, Wiencke said it was an exciting milestone for Wagga athlete Okerenyang, whom he has trained since he was just 13 years old. Okerenyang has continued training close to home, travelling to Temora three times a week as part of his preparation. Wiencke believes the young triple jumper is capable of making his mark against the world’s best junior athletes. “It’s pretty exciting times,” Wiencke said. “He has to qualify in the top 12 to make it to the final. “I'm confident he'll make the final and he’s an outside chance of a medal,” he said. Before leaving Australia, Okerenyang was farewelled by the young athletes he had trained alongside in Temora, many of whom see him as proof that international success can begin on a local level in regional NSW. “All the kids in Temora said goodbye to him,” Wiencke said. “One of the parents said to me how amazing it is to have one of the best in the world training with all the other kids. “He’s an inspiration to them.” Wiencke said his training group continues to attract young athletes from across the Riverina and beyond, with Okerenyang’s success providing extra motivation for young athletes hoping to follow in his footsteps. When the championships finish, it will be a bittersweet experience for Wiencke as he will part company with his young protégé after a five-year partnership. After the championships end, Okerenyang will remain in the United States and head straight to college. He’s signed with the University of Florida Gators,” Wiencke said. “It’s a top school for athletes, so it's a pretty amazing opportunity for him.”
