Commonwealth Games gold medallist Eleanor Patterson will be jumping to a different beat at the Hunter Track Classic at Glendale on Saturday.
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The 18-year-old Victorian high jumper will try to clear the bar while the sounds of her selected track Take Me Over, a Peking Duck song, are played over the loudspeakers at Hunter Sports Centre as part of a new initiative from event organisers.
All competitors in the women’s high jump were asked to submit a favourite tune for the “jumps to music” format, which will be timed to play the moment they make an attempt.
Patterson said the idea had benefits for both athletes and spectators at this year’s Hunter Track Classic.
“It’s a great idea and will hopefully create an even greater atmosphere to compete in,” Patterson said.
“Not only motivating the athletes, but also the crowd alongside us.”
Patterson was on a winning note in Glasgow last year launching into the national spotlight with a gold medal performance at Hampden Park.
“The Commonwealth Games still feels so surreal,” she said.
“It was a great stepping stone into my senior international competition with my coach David and was an amazing experience as a whole.”
Patterson won’t be wearing the green and gold at the second Athletics Australia Tour event of the season, but rather her club colours at her Hunter Track Classic debut.
“I’m definitely looking forward to competing at my first Hunter Track Classic,” she said.
“It’s sure to be a great competition and I love being able to wear my South Coast Athletics Club uniform interstate.”
Patterson will be one of 17 Commonwealth Games representatives from Glasgow competing at the Hunter Track Classic.
The annual event will also feature teenage sprint sensation Jack Hale, who will be having a crack at the national long jump record.
Recently crowned Newcastle citizen of the year Kurt Fearnley headlines the program in the inaugural wheelies mile.
Paterson javelin thrower Rigby Vane-Wood will back up from his dual NSW Country gold medals won at the same venue last week while Maitland Sprint Conexion athletes are expected to take part in the state 110m gift series heats.
Main races from 5.20pm.
Community events from 4pm.
