Olivia Sandery | First Stop Oman

For Olivia Sandery, race walking is an art. Where some see an unglamorous athletic pursuit, she sees a war of attrition characterised by silent suffering and pin-point precision – a sport that demands patience, rhythm, and economy. 

Conceding that her start the sport was defined by sore shins and minor success, the 19-year-old South Australian has blossomed into one of the Australia’s most exciting young prospects - selected for next weekend’s World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships to be held in Oman.

“I’m super excited, especially after everything that has been going on in the world over the past couple of years. It’s amazing to be able to travel overseas for my first international competition,” she said. 

Set to compete in the Junior Women’s 10km event alongside Alanna Peart and Allanah Pitcher, Sandery is remaining grounded ahead of her international debut – despite her scintillating form being enough to suggest she is a major contender. 

“It would be nice to be near the front but I’m just going to do my best and see where I land. I’ve never had this kind of race experience, so I’m just going to give it my all,” she said. 

Coached by Bob Cruise since 2016 and crediting him as the reason she is still in the sport, the rising star has bolstered her corner with the recent addition of Australia’s most decorated male track and field athlete – Olympic champion Jared Tallent. 

“Bob and Jared are different in ways, so it’s nice to have them both there to help me with different things. Bob has been in the sport for a long time and definitely knows his stuff” she said.

“Jared is so experienced. He’s been to all the major championships and has won medals, he just knows so much. Ahead of Oman it’s been great having him there to tell me what it’s going to be like.” 

Clocking personal bests of 45:21.4 over 10,000m and 21:49.41 in the 5000m already in 2022, Sandery is on a rapid rise that has her touted as a top prospect globally for this year’s World Athletics Under 20 Championships in Colombia:

“I was selected but missed out on world juniors last year because we couldn’t go due to COVID-19, so I’m hoping to make the team again and I think that will be a really good race for me and my progression.”

Beginning to take training seriously in 2020, Sandery made significant inroads to place herself on the map nationally – cementing herself as an integral member of the Australian race walking unit moving forwards.

“I’ve been on a few training camps and have learned so much from other Australian race walkers, being in that environment and training with the group really helps. I’m doing around 80-90km per week now and I’m sure that will get bumped up again when I transition to the 20km next year,” she said. 

With just over one week until she dons the green and gold alongside Olympians Rhydian Cowley, Declan Tingay and Kyle Swan - Australia’s latest sensation is relishing the opportunity to kick-start her career on the international scene.

“Most of my teammates are used to it. They’ve done a lot of trips and races overseas, but also just to have them around – we’re all really good friends,” she said.

Studying in nutrition and dietetics, Sandery says her degree ties in well with her athletic pursuits:

“It aligns quite well. The January camp we were on, we had three dieticians on board, so it’s good to talk to them and learn a bit more and to make those connections.”

The World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships will be held in Muscat, Oman on March 4-5. 

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 23/02/2022