Race Walking: Lyn's surprised by new record

Veteran Bunbury race walker Lyn Ventris has done it again, smashing her World Masters record for the State 20km road walk while competing in Melbourne at the weekend.

After struggling for motivation over parts of last season Ventris, 54,re-announced herself as one of the international benchmarks of masters athletics by knocking 5m 13s off her record to finish in 99m 51s at the Australian Masters Athletics 20km Road Walk Championships on Saturday.

Ventris, who races in the 45-55-year-old class, was still trying to come to terms with the achievement earlier this week.

‘‘I knew that I had it in me to do it in just over 100 minutes, but to do a sub-100 time was just unbelievable,’’ she said.

‘‘I had another walker with me and so having someone to push me and also chase made a difference to I think.

‘Setting a new record so late in her age bracket was also a surprise, according to Ventris, who will turn 55 and therefore move into an older category later this year.

‘‘But I’ve also lost a few kilos and I am confident in myself that I am ready to race well,’’ she said.