Road runner Leanne Pompeani has pulled off a brilliant upset to win the women's Australian 10,000 metre track title, while Jack Rayner successfully defended his men's crown in Melbourne.
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Pompeani spoiled young gun Rose Davies' bid for a third consecutive title with a scintillating final few laps in cold conditions at the Zatopek:10 meeting at Lakeside Stadium on Thursday night.
The 26-year-old took the lead with 10 laps remaining but turned the screws late and fist-pumped as she crossed the line to win in 32 minutes and 20.35 seconds.
"That's my first national title, my first open national title and it feels good to be at Zatopek, such a big event. That's one I'll remember," Pompeani said.
Izzi Batt-Doyle jostled with Newcastle's Davies but kicked away late to claim second in 32:26.02, with the former champion third in 32:35.53.
"I wasn't planning on taking the lead that early but things just happen and it's got to be someone so I thought I would do it," Pompeani said.
"There's always a point in the race that you want to pull out and I was waiting for that and that did come around six laps to go.
"Rose was still there putting the pressure on and then when it did start opening up, [I got] a second wind."
The Canberran has her sights on the world cross country championships in Bathurst on February 18, after finishing 45th in Aarhus in 2019. She considered Thursday's win an ideal "stepping stone" to the trials in her hometown on January 15.
Beyond that, Pompeani is eyeing the 10,000m for the world athletics championships in Budapest, then the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rayner comfortably retained the men's 10,000 national title, crossing the line in 28:46.30, ahead of Andre Waring (28:49.32) and Jack Bruce (28:54.57).
Jordan Gusman broke away early and took a strong lead but was reeled in by Rayner and the chasing pack and ultimately finished fifth.
"I actually didn't even realise he made a move until I looked up and he was 50m in front," Rayner told reporters.
"I was 'oh I'll let him go for a bit, make sure he doesn't get too far.' But it kept it a little bit interesting."
It capped off a fine year for the 26-year-old.
Rayner smashed the Australian 10,000m record in California in March, recording 27:15.35.
He also snared 5000m and 3000m personal bests and went unbeaten on home soil.
"It's been my best year without a doubt," he said.
"Running some good PBs and two Australian records, so over the moon.
"So hopefully I can keep the ball rolling next year (when) we've got world cross country and then world champs."
