29.01.2009

Farewell to an athletics icon

Athletics Australia wishes to pass on its sincere condolences to the family of Queensland race walking icon Andrew Ludwig, who was killed tragically in a car accident on Tuesday night.

The 43-year-old father of three enjoyed a long-standing involvement in sport, from his days as a junior athlete right up to his untimely passing. A dairy farmer by day, Andrew was entered in the 10000m event at the Queensland Championships this weekend and had in his sights next month’s Caboolture Dusk to Dawn 12-hour walk, in which he hoped to cover over 100km.

Andrew was also set to compete in the Coburg 24-hour race in Victoria in April, where his goal was to achieve his third Centurion mark of 100 miles in 24 hours. Later in the year Andrew aspired to better his 2008 performance in the 48-hour Track Championships.

Andrew first started winning open club road walking championships in 1986 and soon started winning the first of a record number of Queensland 50km road walking titles. In over 25 years he won more Queensland open state titles than any other walker over distances of five,10, 20, 30 and 50km, represented the state at national level across two decades, won national medals, competed in many 12, 24 and 48-hour races and set numerous national age records.

The athletics community is all the greater for the involvement of Andrew Ludwig, a true inspiration to all.