Kath

Hello, Kath! Thank you for letting us interview you for our website. The reason I wanted to feature you as an athlete is because I am always blown away with how much you fit into a week. What is your secret?

I'm not sure there's a secret! A good calendar definitely helps. I think it comes down to making time for the things that matter and accepting that not everything has to be perfect. Before I had children, I was heavily involved in competitive netball, playing three to four games a week across both indoor and outdoor competitions in ladies' and mixed teams. Sport was a huge part of who I was.

When my children were born, especially my eldest son who has Down syndrome, my focus shifted completely. There were therapies, appointments, work, career progression, school activities, and everything else that comes with raising a family. For a long time, I let go of the things that were just for me. Between life, ankle injuries, and family commitments, returning to netball became difficult. Looking back, I missed the competition, the fitness, and having something that was mine.

How did you get started in athletics?

My boys found their sporting home in Little Athletics. Through that community (Ipswich Little Athletics) we found incredible support, friendships, and opportunities. I wanted to contribute to a sport that had given so much to my family, so I began training as an official and now assist at both club and Little Athletics Queensland levels.

At the same time, a dear friend I met through athletics encouraged me to give Masters Athletics a try. She introduced me to the sport, and I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed being an athlete again.

What drew you to your current events?

My favourite events are the hammer throw and weighted throw. Honestly, I think I just enjoy throwing heavy things! I'm not necessarily the best at them, but they are a lot of fun and that's what keeps me coming back. There's something very satisfying about learning the technical aspects and seeing steady improvement.

Did you need a certain amount of baseline fitness to get started?

Not at all. One of the great things about Masters Athletics is that people start from all sorts of fitness levels and sporting backgrounds. The most important thing is being willing to have a go. Fitness and confidence come with time.

What does training and competing look like for you?

Training is very much a family affair. My boys often train alongside me, which I love because it shows them that learning and improving never stop. It also gives them confidence. The attitude is often, "If Mum can do it, so can we!" Between work, family life, officiating, athletics, and swimming, I fit training in where I can and focus on consistency rather than perfection.

Which athletic achievement are you most proud of to date?

How did you get past those initial nerves when joining a new training group or competing for the first time?

I reminded myself that everyone was new once. Athletics has been filled with supportive, encouraging people who genuinely want others to succeed. Having friends around certainly helped, but I also learned that most people are focused on their own performance, not judging yours.

Do you have any advice for people new to athletics?

Just try it. Have fun. You don't need to be fast, strong, or experienced to start. It also helps to surround yourself with people who encourage you and who can laugh with you through the ups, downs, and occasional misadventures that come with learning something new.

What is your athletic goal for the upcoming season?

My goals are simple: achieve some new personal bests, compete more regularly, and become more competitive in my events. Looking a little further ahead, I'd love to explore the possibility of competing at the Oceania Masters Championships in 2028. For now, though, I'm enjoying the journey and seeing where athletics can take me.