Stephanie Morton moved closer to becoming the first athlete in history to win Olympic and Paralympic gold after finishing second in the women’s sprint to Wai Sze Lee of Hong Kong at the International Track Series in Melbourne recently.
Morton reminded Australian selectors of her enormous talent and ability to perform at major championships as she qualified fastest for the final of the sprint and took the first of three races before eventually succumbing to Lee, who has won multiple medals at Olympic Games and World Championships.
The South Australian won Paralympic gold at London 2012 as tandem pilot in the 1km Time Trial with Felicity Johnson and is aiming for selection for Rio.
Morton finished ahead of compatriots Kaarle McCulloch and Anna Meares, who finished third and fourth respectively and are also vying selection in a national team overflowing with depth and talent. Importantly, Morton defeated McCulloch in the semi- final.
National hero Meares is a near certainty to be selected, leaving the battle for the remaining position between Morton and McCulloch, who can now only wait for the official announcement of the Australian Olympic track cycling team on July 5.
kieranblakewriter 