27.02.2008

Running in the blood

When Lauren O’Sullivan won the 2007 All Schools 200m in December in a record 23.54 seconds, the Queensland athletics community was delighted but not surprised.

Lauren, who turns 16 on May 3, has been winning sprint races at Brisbane State High and GPS meets for years. Her father Dan and uncle Jim (who are identical twins) were both outstanding 400m runners and her mother Jenny (nee Stabler) set a 16 years 200m record at State High of 25.9 seconds, which still stands 35 years later.

“I’ve had a good run,” laughs Jenny. “But Lauren will smash it by miles this year.”

That’s not the end of it either. Lauren’s other three uncles Barry and Terry (also identical twins) and Bernie, also ran for Queensland.

It’s not unusual for families to have outstanding athletic ability over two generations. Tamsyn Lewis’ parents, Greg and Carolyn, won 35 Australian titles between them, pole vaulter Alana Boyd’s parents, Ray and Denise, won 22 national titles and Steve Hooker’s parents, Bill and Erica, won 13.

Lauren’s uncle Jim was the best of the brothers, setting a Queensland record of 46.0 seconds for the 400m and winning the event at the Pan Pacific Championships in Canberra in 1975.

Although she’s still only 15, Lauren may outstrip all of them.

Ian Jones, who used to coach Dan, says “she has the build of Dan but the speed of Jenny.” It’s a potent combination. This season, O'Sullivan has recorded times that have put her into contention for a berth at the Beijing Olympics – 11.67 for the 100m and that sizzling 23.54 for the 200m, a time 0.01 seconds faster than Betty Cuthbert’s winning time at the Melbourne Games of 1956.

If she was selected for the Olympics she wouldn’t be the youngest ever – Debbie Wells was dubbed “The Emmaville Express” when she was picked for the 1976 Montreal Olympics at just 14. She ran in the 100m, 200m and relay but failed to equal her national under 16 record times of 11.3 and 22.8 Four years later she was chosen to run at Moscow, but ran even slower and faded from the scene, burnt out. Is there a danger of that happening with Lauren?

“Not a chance.” says Dan. “Luke Donatini, her coach, has done a brilliant job in developing her talent without pushing her too hard. Also it’s good that Jen and I have both been athletes, because we’re not trying to live our lives through our children.”

Jenny represented Queensland in the 100m, long jump and 100m hurdles, in which she finished third at nationals. Like Lauren, Dan was a gifted school-aged sprinter. At 12, he set a new world age best of 12.3 for the 100m. Lauren has the same God-given gift of blinding acceleration. Unlike most sprinters, she prefers the 200m to the 100.

“I really like running the bend – the first 150 is fun. After that though, it can be tough.”

She found it that way at the Athletics Australia Cup in Brisbane when she was called upon to run in the open 200m after Sally McLellan withdrew with a back strain.  

Running into a stiff headwind, she was never in contention and finished fifth in a mediocre 24.74.

The going was tough at the Sydney Grand Prix too, where she was ninth in a strong field in 24.73. The 2006 Commonwealth Games champion, Sherone Simpson, won in 23.44.

Important learning experiences, Lauren loves athletics for the sheer fun of it. She trains three times a week, two sessions on the track at the University of Queensland and one in the gym.

She enjoys seeing her friends at training and meeting new people. Her goals are simply to enjoy her sport and to represent Australia – at any level. Asked about the prospect of going to Beijing she says it would be “exciting.”

Lauren has three older sisters who support her, but also keep her feet on the ground. Apart from athletics, she enjoys touch football and hockey and loves camping in the national parks in northern NSW with the family. She has a sunny disposition and a lively sense of humour, as befits one whose favourite actor is comedian Will Ferrell.

“Everyone says I’m like Dad, but he’s 195cm with a grey beard!” she exclaimed. “Because I’m tall and lean, people tell me that I will end up running 400s and Luke even reckons it will be 400 hurdles. Ugh!”
 
Deputy principal at Kruger State School, Dan has had a lifetime love affair with athletics – as a competitor, coach, official and parent.

“I just love seeing the performances people can produce – how fast they can run, how high they jump, it’s always fascinating,” he said. “And regardless of how you go, you make so many friendships. I used to train with Garry Brown (Commonwealth Games hurdles gold medallist) and Brendan Moon (former Wallaby winger) and we’re still mates 30 years later.

“I know that’s what Lauren loves about the sport too. No matter what people tell you about Gen Y and their problems, I reckon kids who take part in athletics are terrific; they’re so focused.

“And coaches like Luke, who gives up so much of his time for her, they deserve a medal.”

Perhaps one day Lauren can win one for him – like Betty Cuthbert.

By Peter Meares
Image courtesy Peter Edwards

Lauren O’Sullivan is scheduled to compete over 100m and 200m at the Selection Trials & 86th Australian Championships, which commence in Brisbane tomorrow. Tickets are only available at the gate. Click here for more information