23 May 2011 | Tennis Queensland

On Saturday, Queensland’s fastest mascots, including Tennis Queensland’s Terry the Tennis Ball, competed in the 100m dash at Doomben Race Course.

This is how the race unfolded…

A giant footed Terry was unprepared for the lunch-time downpour of rain, which caused Doomben’s race track to be muddy and slow for the Triple M Fastest Mascot Race (ETA start time: 2pm). 

The scene was set with a staggered start. Giant headed mascots- Terry, Happy the Heart, Muffin Break Muffin and Salmo the Salmon, were placed in front of the nimble jungle cats/blazing men and giant children mascots.

The crowd was silent in anticipation for what was tipped to be the highlight race of the day…

As the horn sounded, Terry the Tennis Ball exploded to the lead reminiscent of a 1988 Ben Johnson. With his massive foam shoes and limited arm movement, there was definitely nothing performance enhancing assisting Tennis Queensland’s favourite mascot.

As Terry passed the 50m mark topping 43.7km/h, the Heart Foundation Heart really started pumping.  MuffinMan from Muffinbreak looked as if he had one too many chocolate chips and slipped back in the field. Salmo the Salmon was really swimming upstream and Burnie Blaze started to smoke. Both  jungle cats (AFL Lion and Roar) were giving it their all while Dr Duck admitted defeat- realising his webbed feet were just not cut out for land sport.

With 2m to go, Terry’s massive legs (especially calves) looked the goods, however the Little Athletics mascot (**AHEM** decked out in sprint shoes!) stormed to the lead edging out Terry to take the win (breaking the hearts of Terry supporters and fans worldwide).

Terry has vowed to be back next year faster than ever.  Check out all the photos here!