User:Elektrikwerk

User:Elektrikwerk/Athletics International

On returning from the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, it became apparent to many of the athletes who had represented Australia and those who would represent Australia in the future, that athletics needed extra support if it was going to be competitive on the international stage. An athlete created and supported body, Athletics International, was formed.

The Philosophy

"To put back in to the sport what they had gained"

This was not financial, as these were the times of fairly true amateurism. It was to encourage others to get the enjoyment and satisfaction from the sport that they had. A lofty ideal, and one that is strange amongst high profile, international level sports people, but one which prevailed and led to the formation of a athletics support organisation, with no government funding whatsoever, that has been integral in maintaining the health of athletics in Australia.

Formation

Athletics International, (A.I.), was formed in late 1968 in the backyard of multiple world recordholder Ron Clarke at his home in outer suburban Melbourne. The informal meeting of tracksuit clad attendees agreed that "something had to be done" if Australian athletes were going to continue to be competitive on the world scene. And rather than wait for someone else, they decided to do it themselves.

The Approach

The achievement of its goal was to develop with time and the changing circumstances of local and international athletics. Initially, it was competition-based - promoting athletic meetings so that local athletes could compete with the world's best, who were invited by A.I. A.I. also produced a book, Athletics The Australian Way, which had the A.I. athletes each contributing a chapter on their specialty events and experiences. The book sold very well - a couple of editions - and provided funds to assist A.I. in carrying out its goals. As athletics became more international and professionalism became "legal", the approach turned more to financial support for athletes and coaches so that they could achieve more than they would otherwise have been able to without Athletics International's support.

Competition based Approach

A.I. promoted a number of athletic meetings during the 70's and 80's, inviting and funding some of the world's best athletes to come to Melbourne and provide world class competition for the local stars. The list of athletes that A.I. invited reads like a "Who's Who":

• Jim Ryun - world mile and 1500m recordholder
• Marty McGrady - world indoor 600 yards recordholder - "The Chairman of the Boards"
• John Carlos , - 1968 200m. bronze medalist and best sprinter in the world in 1970
• Mel Pender - 1968 Olympics 100m finalist
• Bob Seagren - 1968 Gold medalist in the Pole Vault and multiple Word Record holder
• Wayne Collett - Silver medalist 1972 Olympic Games 400m.

- and many, many others ...

Transition

The transition from track meet promoter came with the financial success of the meetings A.I. promoted. These funds were invested by former sprinter and stock broker, Brian Randall, who very successfully managed what A.I. had raised and created a fund which could be used to financially support athletes and coaches of the future.

Financial Support Approach

Athletics International evolved from promoter to supporter, where it provided funds for athletes to continue their training or support travel to competitions, or to fund coaches who where the encouragement and knowledge for athletes to succeed and continue in the sport. Grants are given each year by Athletics International in support of its goals. Some of those who have received A.I grants are:

• Jana Rawlinson (nee Pittman) - World Champion 400m. hurdler
• Sally Pearson ( nee McLellan) - Silver medalist 100m. hurdles at the Beijing Olympics
• Steve Hooker - World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist in the Pole Vault at the Beijing Olympics

- and many, many other athletes and coaches

Athletics International is now a trust under the management of John Murray, former Australian miler, and Bill Hooker, National 400m. and 400m. Hurdles champion, and father of pole vaulter Steve Hooker, World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist

Comment

What other sport would have created such a selfless support for the sport which had given its competitors so much enjoyment and satisfaction ? And these are people had "Paid To Play" ! It cost them to be part of their sport. Unlike most other international sports, and elite Australian athletics today, they were not paid for their prowess. Yet they committed and continue to commit their time and efforts to make Australian athletics competitive on the modern stage.