Jordan Englund wins epic Burnie Gift final

EMOTIONAL: Jorden Englund shared his Burnie Gift win with his family as he stormed home to win on Sunday. Picture: Cordell Richardson.

Burnie’s Jorden Englund captured the biggest win of his eight-year running career when he crossed the line first in the 2017 Burnie Men’s Gift.

The local stretched his arms out in an emotional fashion as he crossed the line ahead of a strong field just got the better of carnivals regular Daniel Reeves and Victorian backmarker Joel Bee.

Englund tan off a mark of 10m and took the win in 12.85 and said he always gelt like he had a chance once he made the final at West Park.

“After the semi’s I knew I was in with a chance, I just knew I had to get out to a good start,” Englund said.

“My first race this morning I didn’t start too well.

“I’m just really stoked to finally win it.”

Englund was embraced by friends and family as soon as he crossed the line and said it was a special moment not just for him, but for those who have supported him.

“It means the world to not just me but to the guys who I train with, my family, my coach.

“I mean, I’ve been running for eight years and since day dot it’s the race you want to win.

“It means everything.”

The Coastal football talent who plays with Wynyard featured a lot in finals over the Carnival Series.

He said while wasn’t sure Burnie would be his event, he was just glad a local runner got the win.

“I didn’t specifically time myself to win today that’s for sure.

“I was trying to run as well as I could at every carnival as I always have and it just worked out on the day.

“I knew I was just gonna get better as the day went on and thankfully it all worked out.

“I’m just super stoked to keep it here in Burnie, one more for the Tasmanians.”

Englund blitzed his way into the final at West Park on Saturday with a time 12.81 ahead of fellow finalist Joel Bee.

Daniel Reeves also stormed into the final and was among the favourites in the final running off a mark of 11m and finished second to Englund in a thrilling finish.

The win by Englund made it two for two on a local level as he followed Somerset runner, Morgan Gaffney in the women’s event.

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