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Paralympic Champion Kelly Cartwright

PINNACLE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT OCTOBER 2012 | SPRING EDITION | ISSUE 87

ANNE MARIE HARRISON CEO VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT

HUGH DELAHUNTY MP MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION

This edition of ‘The Pinnacle’ gives you an insight to all the

Congratulations to all of our VIS athletes and support staff for their outstanding performances both at the Olympics and Paralympics in London. Once again you’ve done Victoria and Australia proud.

colour, movement and personal perspectives from our athletes, coaches and staff who attended the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. What a Games they were; as has been widely reported London did a magnificent job of hosting two truly memorable events and the GB athletes stepped up with a range of wonderful performances. Imprinted in my memory will be the Stadium at 9am on the first day of athletics at the Paralympics, full with 80,000 enthusiastic spectators. I extend our congratulations to Lord Sebastian Coe and LOCOG and to the team at UKSport.

London did a magnificent job of hosting two truly memorable events Victorian Institute of Sport athletes also contributed with some outstanding performances which will be highlighted in the following pages. However in equal measure are performances which were tinged with disappointment played out through injury and underperformance. There can be no doubt that the Australian team performance was disappointing and sadly for the first time the VIS did not return with an Olympic gold medal. From my perspective I cannot identify one single short term factor which contributed to this outcome, so I will be very interested in the reflections of coaches and athletes! The one thing I do know however is that every VIS athlete went to the Games prepared and gave their all, sadly on some occasions this was not good enough. The nature of our business is such that the next World Championships are just around the corner and we are less than two years out from the Winter Olympics and Paralympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games. We will lift our game to ensure that the performances of our athletes are memorable at these benchmark events.

WELCOME

No less than 33 VIS athletes featured on the Olympic and Paralympic medals dais. Some of the standout achievements include Kelly Cartwright’s gold and new world record in the F42/44 long jump; Michael Gallagher’s come-from-behind gold in the men’s C5 4km individual cycling pursuit; and Kimberley Crow’s gutsy bronze in the single sculls and silver in the double sculls, making her the first athlete to obtain a medal in two events at the same Olympics. This is just the tip of the iceberg with 61 VIS athletes competing at the Olympics and 14 contributing to 10 medals in six sports with three silver and seven bronze. Of the 30 VIS athletes competing at the Paralympics, 19 contributed to 16 medals across six sports with six gold, three silver and seven bronze. The Victorian Government is proud of all of our athletes both in individual and team competitions at home and abroad. That’s why I was delighted that Victorians had the opportunity to publicly congratulate both our Olympians and Paralympians when they returned home. As the Olympics and Paralympics have shown, Victoria continues to be a breeding ground for top international sports talents. The Victorian Government is proud to support the VIS, which includes our investment of over $66 million in Victoria’s new base for the VIS, Lakeside Stadium and new home of athletics. The state of the art facility will ensure the VIS scholarship athletes, staff and innovative sports programs maintain their global edge. There’s no doubt Victoria’s young up and coming sports stars have been inspired by our VIS champions. Thank you VIS for your part in setting a great example for more people to get more active, more often. I look forward to continuing our partnership with the VIS and cheering our next group of VIS champions as they strive for gold on the world stage.

Russell Ford

contents... 2.

Welcome

Contents

Rowing

Track & Field

Triathlon

Behind The Scenes

10.

Paralympics

12.

Beach Volleyball

13.

Swimming

14.

Gateway to London

15.

Welcome Home

CONTENTS 3

‘so, i may have broken my olympic bronze medal!’ by kim crow VIS rower Kim Crow became a leading

they bring - the smiles on the faces of

figure for Australia in the Olympic rowing

kids and adults alike as they touch or

regatta at Eton Dorney in the London

see a medal for the first time - but my

2012 Games. Crow collected a bronze in

own reward is the memory. Of some

the women’s single scull and silver in the

really special, fulfilling racing, and a

women’s double scull with crew mate

wonderful journey.”

Brooke Pratley. The bronze was the first Olympic medal won by an Australian in the women’s single scull, and Kim tells us how she managed to break it! “I had a little incident involving a slab of pavement and some clumsy handiwork! However, in retrospect, I wish I had come up with some awesome story about using it to play frisbee with Usain Bolt and the Queen, but I wasn’t that clever! It has also been drawn to my attention, ex post facto, that the medals come with care instructions that specifically command the avoidance of ‘any sort of impact or abrasion.’ In future I will take care to read care instructions and intentionally avoid accidentally impacting my medal on the ground, particularly since (another fascinating fact) the circular shape of the medal is ‘a metaphor for the world.’ I HAVE BROKEN THE WORLD!!! I have wondered if I can weld the world back together – which would be cool! Anyway, I now have a bronze drink coaster and a silver medal. Ironically, I think I am the only person on this planet who is NOT concerned about this. Sure, the medal probably is a wee bit more functional when it can be worn, but, to be honest, the memories I have of crossing the finish line in both of my Olympic finals are so wonderfully overwhelmingly special that no amount of medal can compensate. I love the medals for the excitement 4

ROWING

I had a little incident involving a slab of pavement and some clumsy handiwork

C ro w Ki m

kelly cartwright – a dream fulfilled VIS Paralympic star Kelly Cartwright

TV, I couldn’t wait to get out there and

Winning a gold and silver medal at a

broke the world record on her way to

compete.

Paralympic Games for my country is

claiming gold in the F42/44 long jump with a leap of 4.38m at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. She added silver in the F42/44 100m shortly after. Kelly sums up her journey as a participant in what has been hailed as the greatest Paralympic Games ever: “When I look back on the Paralympics now, I just remember it being an absolutely amazing 12 days and with a huge amount of pride. Just being a part of the Australian team and the success we had was so motivating for me. I was absolutely pumped just watching it on

Was I nervous going into the final? Sure, but that’s only natural. I was going into the Games as a real gold medal hope, so I was faced with a lot of pressure. But as soon as the competition started, I felt calm and relaxed because I’d been jumping well and it was just a case of having to keep that momentum going. The crowd helped me no end because the noise they made was absolutely unbelievable. I’d like to think it added a few centimetres to my jumps which made a big difference, so they played their part!

something that is hard to put into words. I’m actually smiling now just thinking about it, because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was so proud to represent Australia, and I am so proud of what I achieved. The epic experience and opportunity would not have been possible without the help and support of a lot of amazing people; I thank each and every one of them. Post-London, it is bizarre not having such a structured day. Now, I have to plan what I have to do with my days - it has been difficult getting back to reality!

Kelly Cartwight

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TRACK & FIELD 5

the long road is the only road to success For many athletes, the road to the

After competing at her debut Olympics

be rescued from the water mid-race

Olympics is never an easy journey. There

in Beijing, Erin had a rollercoaster ride

and stopped her from training. Her

are many obstacles and challenges

for her next three years where triathlon

confidence was low as she was always

thrown in their path which can make

took a back seat as her health became

concerned about when she may have

or break the athlete. Erin Densham’s

the biggest battle for her to overcome.

another ‘attack’. The only answer was

journey is one that would have broken

She had glandular fever that knocked

heart surgery to rectify this problem in

many people, but for Erin it just made

her around for months, and then

December 2009.

her Olympic success all that sweeter.

started to suffer from a heart condition

Danielle Stefano, Olympic triathlon

– supra ventricular tachycardia –

coach, tells us more:

which accelerated her heart rate. This condition resulted in Erin having to

Erin Densham

TRIATHLON

Having successfully recovered from the surgery, Erin then suffered from hamstring tendinopathy which meant

she could not run for four months at the end of 2010, followed by a stress reaction in her tibia which put her out of all major races at the end of 2011. Throw in a change of coach, and her partner moving overseas seven months before the Olympics which she had to re-adjust to as well.

knew of her Olympic fate. After receiving the news of making the 2012 Australian Olympic Triathlon Team along with VIS training partner Brendan Sexton, all focus was on getting to the starting line in London in the best condition possible. Erin based herself in Spain for the Australian winter and

With results in all major races during

raced at the Banyoles World Cup (2nd)

the four year Olympic period coming

and Hamburg World Triathlon Series race

into consideration for Olympic team

(1st) as lead up events in preparation

selection, it meant that Erin had to win

for London. She then joined the rest of

or at the very least podium in every race

her team mates at the Australian team

early in 2012 to prove her selection to the

camp in Aix les Bains, France prior to

Triathlon Australia Selection Committee.

entering London.

With the quality of the international

An enormous crowd had gathered

women’s field being as strong as ever,

for the Women’s Triathlon at Hyde

it was a big ask for any athlete to

Park yet little did anyone know the

come out and podium in one race,

drama that occurred prior to the race.

let alone multiple races. However,

After warming up on her bike and

the determination of Erin to make

wheeling it in to transition, by chance

the Olympic team and prove the

Erin happened to rub down her tyre

doubters wrong was what inspired

to remove some dirt before heading

the performances that wowed the

back to the athlete lounge. It was then

international triathlon community. Her

that she realised she had a puncture.

blistering run performances to take

Luckily we were able to change over

first position in both the Mooloolaba

her tyre prior to the race commencing

Erin threw everything she had on the

World Cup and Sydney World Triathlon

as this could have been a disastrous

day at them but unfortunately couldn’t

Series race showed the world, and the

start to the bike leg had Erin not noticed

shake them and finished in third position

Australian team selectors, that Erin was a

beforehand.

in what was one of the best triathlon

force to be reckoned with. She was able to back up these performances with a second place in the San Diego World Triathlon Series race. While everyone believed that Erin could not possibly be overlooked for the Olympics, she still had a nervous month’s wait before she

To come home with a bronze medal at the pinnacle of elite competition is a testament to her courage and determination

E ri n

De n sh a

one her competitors fell off the back of the pack unable to keep up with the pace Erin was setting. We knew she had to try and get rid of her two major competitors, Nicola Spirig and Lisa Norden, before the finish as if it came down to a sprint they were going to be hard to beat.

races in the history of the sport. Erin Densham has always displayed her willingness to fight; she fought for her health, fought hard for her spot on the Olympic team and fought tooth and nail for Olympic success in London. To come home with a bronze medal at the pinnacle of elite competition

A blistering pace was set in the swim leg,

is a testament to her courage and

and then there was carnage on the bike

determination.

leg with many girls falling victim to the wet, slippery roads. With Erin escaping all the falls, she then set off on the run in the lead pack of eight.

To see her standing on the podium with a bronze medal was an extremely proud moment for Erin, everyone involved with her preparation over the years, and all

She did most of the work from the front

her supporters both in London and back

of the pack continually surging to try

in Australia.

and break her competitors; this had

no e S te fa Da n ie ll m De n sha & Erin

been her strength all season. One by

Ahmed Kelly

TRIATHLON 7

gallery

BEHIND THE SCENES

BEHIND THE SCENES 9

‘first time paralympian, forever a silver medallist’ by leanne del toso The Australian women’s national wheelchair basketball team, known as the Gliders, ended their London 2012 Paralympic campaign with a silver medal. The gallant Gliders lost to Germany, 44–58 in front of a capacity crowd of 12,985 at the North Greenwich Arena. VIS athlete Leanne Del Toso made her Paralympic debut in London. She talks about her experience below: “When I think of my experience at the 2012 London Paralympics, I can’t help but smile and get taken away with the memories of an unforgettable journey. I left Australia as a first time Paralympian

and came home a silver medallist. The moments in between were the greatest of my life. My favourite memories were the moments before heading into the stadiums. Whether it be for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies or before each of our games, just knowing that the whole of Australia wanted to see your face and the roar of the crowd just blew my mind. The Gliders had a powerhouse of proud supporters and seeing the swarm of green and gold in the crowd was extraordinary.

years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. While the team was hoping for gold, you can’t take away the hard work each and every Glider had put in to being the very best they can be. Seeing my family after the ceremony completed the journey. I had made everyone proud. Looking ahead, Rio seems very far away and the decision to continue is uncertain however, the road and journey to success is infectious and one that I would love to be a part of again!”

the road and journey to success is infectious

My proudest moment was receiving my silver medal. It was the result of five

my paralympic experience by carol cooke VIS Para-cyclist Carol Cooke, who came agonisingly close to making the 1980 Canadian Olympic team in swimming before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, competed in her first Paralympic Games in London for Australia. Sports fanatic, workaholic, former undercover police officer and multiple sclerosis advocate, Cooke is one of the most inspirational figures in Australian sport. She talks about her Paralympic experience below: “When I arrived at the Paralympic village my feelings were all over the place. This dream had taken me 35 years, two countries and three sports, to attain. I experienced everything you can imagine all in one; excitement, apprehension, amazement, fear, enthusiasm, elation and so much more! I hadn’t really felt like part of the team not being in Wales and coming into the 10

PARALYMPICS

village after the Games had started. But it didn’t take long to feel like I belonged!

and representing Australia whose medal was presented by a Canadian. Sounds weird but it was fitting!”

My views on disability really changed and I came to realise that I never have anything to ever complain about again. The number of really devastating disabilities were very “in your face” but those people were always smiling! I found that athletes were so happy for each other no matter what country they were from, congratulating one another constantly and meaning it. The British public were amazing and cheering on every single athlete and loudly!

Carol took gold in the mixed T1-2 timetrial event, finishing in a time of 13 min 50.54 sec, ahead of Germany’s HansPeter Durst (14:11.95) and Great Britain’s David Stone (14:25.66).

To then win gold was the proverbial “icing on the cake” and to share it with family who had come to watch was even better. Funny thing is that my medal was presented by Patrick Jarvis a member of the IPC, who just so happens to be Canadian. So I felt that I had come full circle…a Canadian, racing

Carol Cooke and Patrick Jarvis, IPC

golden campaign for aussie steelers Australia’s wheelchair rugby team,

accomplishments for some of our

event starting, we got into training and

the ‘Steelers’, took the London 2012

athletes and our team. At the scenic

went to other events to support our

Paralympic title with a 66-51 win over

venue of Cardiff Castle, VIS athlete

fellow Australians competing.

Canada in the gold medal match. The

Greg Smith was named the Australian

result brought Australia the Paralympic

flag bearer for the Paralympic Games

title for the first time, after silver medal performances behind the United States at Beijing in 2008 and Sydney in 2000.

We went on to win the gold medal in dominating form

12 years old after he fell 50m down a cliff, talks about his experiences at the London 2012 Paralympic Games: “Our Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team had a great lead in and preparation for

Basketball Arena, in front of 10,000 spectators for every game. In a Paralympics filled with highlights for our team, we went on to win the gold medal in dominating form. We played

Former player turned Head Coach Brad Dubberley, a quadriplegic since

Our competition was held at the

Opening Ceremony, while fellow VIS athlete Naz Erdem participated in the Paralympic torch relay in Cardiff.

against Canada, Sweden, Belgium, Japan and then Canada again in the gold medal match. Everyone contributed in every game and we

After Cardiff, we arrived in London and

reached our goal of winning every

soon settled into village life. Prior to our

quarter and the gold medal.”

the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The Aussie Steelers

On the back of some solid team performances at lead up competitions and training camps, we were looking and feeling sharp, relaxed, confident and prepared for a successful Paralympic campaign. Before the wheelchair rugby competition even started, there were some huge highlights and

‘bravo london, bravo’ by dylan alcott It is really hard to describe how much the London 2012 Paralympic Games really meant to us as athletes with a disability.

the 2012 Paralympic Games. I can’t begin to tell you how amazing the feeling is to be finally recognised in the public’s eye as the elite athlete with

Since its inception nearly 50 years ago,

a disability that I really am. People can

the Paralympics has always been seen

now share and enjoy the spectacle and

as the little brother of the Olympics, a

skill of Paralympic sport like they never

sideshow to the glory of the two week

have before, and I am so glad and

Olympic period which precedes it.

proud that I could be a part of it.

However, after London, this is no more. Sell-out crowds at every event, millions

And if you thought London was good, just you wait till Rio..!

of television viewers around the world, having to stop for autographs every time we went into the shopping mall London put on an incredible show for

Dylan Alcott & Ashleigh Brennan

PARALYMPICS 11

‘playing beach volleyball in the queen’s back yard’ by tamsin hinchley I never thought I would get the

champions from the USA in our first

London was not our best tournament in

opportunity to play beach volleyball

match. We battled hard in a tight first

terms of performance and there were

in the Queen’s back yard! But it

set which was locked at 18-18 late in the

a lot of distractions that had their own

happened and I’ve got the bikini to

proceedings, before the American pair

challenges, but I am still really proud of

prove it! Located in central London,

reeled off three straight points to clinch

what I have achieved over the past three

Horse Guards Parade provided an

a tense opener. Our loss to them set

years and that I got to take my family,

iconic location for the London 2012

them on their path to go undefeated to

including my young son, to London with

Beach Volleyball competition.

their third Olympic Gold medal.

me for my third Olympic Games.

The 11pm matches at Horse Guards Parade were electric as they brought with them the added ‘bonus’ of an extremely rowdy audience. As my partner Nat Cook and I walked from our warm up courts to the main stadium, we witnessed amazing feats of determination with men clutching as many cups of beer as physically possible to take them to their seats. Despite all of the noise and activity I still managed to spot my family in the crowd and felt safe and supported knowing they were there. We met the reigning Olympic

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Tamsin Hinchley & Family

lawson looks to grow after olympic debut Matson Lawson’s selection to the London 2012 Olympic Team was his first Australian team representation at junior or senior level, a truly remarkable achievement. The VIS swimmer put in a tough performance in his Olympic debut, narrowly missing the semifinals of the men’s 200m backstroke . He speaks with Marketing and Media Coordinator, Ashley Carr: Did your first Olympics Games live up to your expectations? Being an athlete involved in the London 2012 Olympic Games was an amazing experience and opportunity. My experiences in London, in and around the athlete village, in the pool and out and about in London definitely lived up to the hype and my wildest imagination.

What ‘wowed’ you the most?

Tell us about village life?

I was totally stunned when I saw people

Life in the athlete village was amazing -

that I look up to and admire. It was

it was like living in an awesome bubble

crazy seeing Usain Bolt, the USA Dream

for two weeks! Anything and everything

team, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps

that I could ever want was right there…

all walking around in the same village

and totally free! I had so many fun times

that I was living in!

and I have so many memories that will

I have so many memories that will stay with me forever How did you settle your nerves?

stay with me forever. In what way did the London Games inspire you? Walking out onto the pool deck in the aquatic centre was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life. Having

I find that the best way to settle my nerves

the opportunity to race in front of so

is to listen to music. Reading a book is also

many people makes me want to do it

a good way to chill out and playing cards

all again. So I just have to keep training

with the boys both help to keep me calm.

hard and keep focussed on Rio in four

The boys on the swim team definitely

years’ time.

helped me stay down to earth and not get overwhelmed by the occasion.

Matson & Penny Lawson

SWIMMING 13

coles gateway to london 2012 olympic games by mandy passmore

Bo bby g e t t i ng

‘d o wn’

The VIS was fortunate to receive sponsorship from Coles to deliver a behind the scenes digital campaign for VIS TV and the Coles Olympic website. The concept was to film and photograph Aussie athletes (predominantly VIS) and their coaches and families and get ‘real’ stories; the stuff that the general media doesn’t have easy access to. With swimming first up on the schedule and a fantastic vibe around a beautifully spit and polished London, I was excited to get amongst it all. My excitement soon became frustration

an Australian flag (thanks to hockey

red Coles ‘down-down, prices are

player, Jade Close’s sister)! Coaches

down’ hands into my bag (yes I did!)

I interviewed were proud, parents

and set off chasing people wearing

ecstatic and most athletes on an

green and gold in the hope that they

emotional high, which all made

might have their photo taken with the

for interesting episodes for VIS TV.

‘down-downs’, or better (or worse?) still,

Apologies to all who thought I was a

actually sing the jingle!

complete weirdo...

As Olympic events came and went,

When it came time to relax, Melbourne

more athletes, their families and

company, Sportius International Events

coaches were around to chat to. The

had commissioned a cruise ship on

enormous Westfield shopping centre,

the River Thames for the duration of

strategically positioned at the entrance

the Games. The VIS was given the

to both Olympic Park and the Aquatics

opportunity to have access to the ship

Centre, proved to be the place to be. I

for lunches, dinners and other events,

still laugh at the total stalk-factor – me,

which enabled some of our athletes,

my handycam and VIS TV microphone

their friends and families, time to relax

Coaches were proud, parents ecstatic and athletes on an emotional high - which all made for interesting episodes of VIS TV

and enjoy Sportius’ hospitality in a safe environment away from the media. The athletes were extremely grateful and some went to great lengths to ensure the other guests on the ship enjoyed the experience. In summary, Londoners are scratching their heads wondering who Coles is and

at the ready, hunting down Aussies in green and gold or carrying the

what’s with the ‘resurgence’ of Status Quo’s ‘Deeper Down’ on the iTunes charts; security staff scouring CCTV

with the Aussies not doing as well as

Australian flag.

anticipated, and subsequently being

Thankfully, us Aussies can be a patriotic

are pleased no arrests were made for

bunch and I soon stalked, I mean

stalking, Dale Stevenson can do the

discovered, members of athletes’

splits and London did a fantastic job

families dressed head to toe in Aussie

staging the biggest sporting event in the

colours and even a dress made from

world!

unfairly slammed in the media at home. The last thing anyone associated with swimming wanted to do was chat on camera about what was going on behind the scenes.

To lighten things up, I packed the big

GATEWAY TO LONDON

from the Westfield Shopping Centre

all hail the heroes of 2012! The Victorian Institute of Sport’s London

opportunity for VIS staff, stakeholders

2012 Olympians and Paralympians were

and sponsors to honour the London

congratulated and celebrated at an

2012 athletes for their contribution, their

exclusive cocktail event at the VIS on

sacrifice and commitment and, above

Thursday, 20 September.

all, the inspiration they have provided.

Approximately 30 of the 91 athletes who

Congratulations to all athletes, coaches

competed at both Games attended

and support staff involved in the London

the event, including members of the

2012 Games and thank you to RICOH for

gold medal winning wheelchair rugby

their contribution to the evening.

team, silver medal winning Olympic rowing pair Sarah Tait and Kate Hornsey, water polo bronze medallist Rowie Webster and Paralympic track and field star Kelly Cartwright. Cartwright, who won the gold medal in the F42/44 long jump with a World Record leap before taking silver in the F42/44 100m, was in a happy mood while displaying both of her medals. She used the opportunity to show the VIS her appreciation. ‘It’s like a second home! The support that I have received from the VIS and my coach Tim Matthews has been so incredible; I really appreciate everything.’ Mr Brad Battin MP, Member for Gembrook eloquently praised the dedication of the athletes who devoted years of time and effort to their training to achieve their Olympic and Paralympic aims. VIS CEO Anne Marie Harrison also congratulated the athletes on their performances in London. ‘I am extremely proud of our athletes’ efforts in London; they represented themselves, their teams and their country with great distinction on the world stage’. The celebration, hosted by Paralympic legend Don Elgin, provided the

WELCOME HOME 15