University athletics track leaping ahead
Thu 03 August 2006
Michelle Larkin, Journalism
The Sunshine Coast University’s Olympic-standard athletics track is being put to good use by world-class athletes and coaches.
The great Jamaican sprinter Merlene Otty has run on it. The Israeli Olympic team used it as a training facility before Sydney 2000. On any given day, the Sunshine Coast track is like a who’s who of Australian athletics.
Dual Olympians Ray and Denise Boyd are at the track at least three times a week, coaching an ever-changing group of young hopefuls. The great English Olympic gold medallist, and now Sunshine Coast resident, Steve Ovett appears on occasion, blending in with his shorts and surf shirt.
All three of the Boyd children have represented Australia at a junior level. The youngest, Matt, a pole-vaulter, is the current under-20 Australian champion and is off to Beijing in August to compete in the World Junior Championships. 
“I wouldn’t even be jumping if this track wasn’t here. I’d probably be playing rugby,” he said.
National gold medallist Jane Larkin, 16, is travelling to Greece in a month to represent Australia at the World School Games.
Larkin said she loves running and her goal is to make the Olympics.
John Dighton from the Sunshine Coast Athletics Club enjoys coaching and still runs at a master’s level. He said anyone can come and train, but it does help to have ability.
Sharon Wake said her children became interested in athletics while watching the Sydney Olympics on television. “We’ve got access to world class coaches and a good quality track. Now my son is the state champion in his event,” she said.
Krystle Wright, 19, was also inspired after watching the Olympic Games on television - Atlanta in 1996. She started training four years ago and loves the long jump. “For as long as I can remember 
I’ve had an obsession with athletics,” she said.
Pasquale Vescio is another coach who is passionate about athletics. He believes the university track draws more children into the sport and “is an excellent way to keep kids off the streets.”
Denise Boyd is considered royalty in the athletics world. She is a dual Olympic finalist, Commonwealth gold medallist in the 200m, winner of eight Commonwealth medals and ten-time Australian champion. Boyd held the 200m record for 14 years until Melinda Gainsford finally broke it. Boyd’s love of athletics has continued in a coaching role.
“We’re very lucky to have this facility. There wouldn’t be as many athletes of a high standard from the Sunshine Coast without it,” she said.
Boyd coaches a variety of athletes in her squad. Some want to improve their fitness and speed for another sport, such as rugby. Nippers come and train for beach carnivals. Others in the squad are national champions and dream of making an Olympic team, like their coach.
“Whatever they’re training for they all want to improve. They all want to succeed,” said Boyd.
With a world-class training facility and world-class coaches on their doorstep, success for Sunshine Coast athletes seems likely.
Anyone can use the University’s athletics track for $2.50. The Sunshine Coast University is located on Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs.
Image(s) designed by Michelle Larkin
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Submitted Comments
Nice article but would it be possible to obtain phone numbers/details of who to contact? (so I can start sprint training)
Claire Kelly