The Ballarat athletics community is built on support, teamwork, and a shared love of the sport. Whether you’re competing, coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger — a network of people who show up, help out, and celebrate each other’s efforts.
As we step into February and a new year of athletics, it’s a great time to reconnect, reset, and build on the momentum of the season so far. With competition back in full swing, this is a chance to refocus on our goals, celebrate the energy our clubs bring to the track, and strengthen the connections that make our athletics community so special. The year ahead is full of opportunity, and together we continue to shape a supportive, motivated, and united Athletics Ballarat community.
This newsletter is here to share highlights, recognise efforts, and keep everyone connected across our local athletics family. If you or your club would like to share achievements or updates, please email these to [email protected]
For all things AVSL this 25-26 season, please visit our AVSL Page.
I am a foundation member of the Eureka Athletic Club, a former distance runner, and have been involved in athletics on and off, since 1968.
I have two children – Lauren Wright and Luke Soar, and two grandchildren – Charlie and Grace Wright.
Lauren and Charlie were registering with Eureka for the AV 2024/2025 season, so I registered as an AV Official, after 10 years away from athletics.
I have thoroughly enjoyed helping with the combined Eureka and Wendouree Athletic Club Cross-Country club events, with Ballarat Athletics Cross-Country events, XCR, AVSL, and Ballarat and Regional Little Athletics.
I love the fact that athletics is a very unique and inclusive sport, where athletes regardless of age or ability can compete together at the same venue. I also love the family atmosphere in both the senior and the junior competitions, the sheer joy on the faces of the Little Athletics competitors, and especially the U6’s, and U7’s who bounce up and down with excitement.
I also love the encouragement that all four Ballarat Clubs give each other, and the cooperation between them. And, last but not least, I love helping out with the amazing officials that I have come to know, and who have been so helpful and supportive in my return to officiating.
I played lawn bowls for 3 years from 2017-2019 for Invermay Bowls Club.
To keep the main focus on enjoyment and good sportsmanship. If you keep your focus on these you will rarely go home disappointed.
I was the time clock judge for the long jump at the Qantas Melbourne World Challenge in 2013. In the field were London Olympics 2012 athletes, Gold Medalist Greg Rutherford (GB) and Silver medalist Mitchell Watt (AUS). At the conclusion of the event, I was so humbled when Greg came up to me and shook my hand and thanked me. It was so incredible that a world number one, took the time to show his gratitude to the officials helping out.
Getting to know our Athletics Ballarat Board Members.
Gday! My name is Mark, a lover of sport, art and my golden retriever, Ellie. I have worked on the other side of the camera for many years as an actor, appearing on all major networks in Australia and studio work for multinational companies. I have always been in awe of the technicalities of film/tv/photography. The way a director or DoP can capture that special moment that can be shared with the world… well, this is my creative outlet where I am privileged to work with some of Australia’s best athletes such as Jacob Despard, Ellie Beer, Mia Gross and Peyton Craig.
Looking to start photography or want to know more? Follow me on Facebook or Instagram under Marked Moments and get in touch. I’m always here to answer your questions and here’s some of the athletics photos that I’ve taken @marked_moments_
Each month we will highlight one of our athlete’s photographic skills – capturing a moment of athletic ability or community and connection.
Submit your entry to the Athletics Ballarat FaceBook page #Capturethespirit before 25th of each month.
At the end of the season we will call for votes and crown our “Best Photo – AVSL 25-26 season”
Photographer Sam Gent - capturing the spirit of family and community - Cooper hugging his cousin Riley.
I started when I was 7, doing little athletics with YCW on a Friday night. I fell in love with the fact that I had so many friends and it felt like a team sport, but it all comes down to your own individual performance.
I love the athlete lifestyle it gives. I’m a routine based person and this sport gives you that.
I love the adrenaline of sprinting, lining up at that start line, keeping it together but also having the right amount of nerves at the same time.
Pre race I always have two snakes, not one, two.
Race braids, in big competitions I always have braids. Look good, run fast.
Last year (2025) I traveled overseas for the first time to Japan to spectate the World Championships. To see these world class athletes at work in the flesh was incredible, and gave me so much inspiration and motivation to keep doing what I’m doing.
I got to see Gout Gout run the 200m semi final.
My partner Cooper Sherman run in the 4x400m men’s relay.
On a personal note, my most memorable moment was the Maryborough gift this year, being called the winner only to find out three minutes later I came second was a flood of different emotions all at once.
I love the fact that all of the coaches are friendly and supportive of all Ballarat athletes. You don’t find that anywhere else, as I have experienced this training in Melbourne while at uni. We are so lucky that we are all there to back each other and run fast, throw and jump far.
After a big meet or training session I always treat myself to HSP (halal snack pack).
On a normal day I love a steak or pasta.
My training breakdown typically looks like this:
Monday hills, Tuesday track, Wednesday Gym, Thursday track, Friday rest day, Sunday Gym.
But I flexible and open to change when this schedule doesn’t fit in with a race that week or so on.
13th-15th February
Registrations close: 12pm (Midday), Monday 2nd February 2026
Saturday 21st February
Entries Open: 5pm Wednesday 11th February. Entries Close: 12:00pm (Midday), Wednesday 18th February
Saturday 28th February
Entries Open: 12pm Friday 20th February. Entries Close: 12:00pm (Midday), Wednesday 25th February
Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th March
Registrations close: 9pm 27th February
Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd March
Entries Close: Midday, Monday 9th March 2026 – ENTRIES OPENING END OF JANUARY
