The final episode of Under the Surface powered by Rio Tinto, brings Australian Athletics’ past, present and future together with elite athletes answering big questions from young fans, a Paralympian reflecting on where it all began, and a former champion now shaping the next generation from behind the scenes.
From honest advice and personal rituals to lifelong lessons learned on and off the track, this episode captures the moments that remind us why athletics matters and how inspiration is passed on.
Pass the Baton: Big Questions, Honest Answers
There’s something powerful about seeing the sport through a child’s eyes and in Pass the Baton, Australia’s top athletes respond to thoughtful, curious questions from the next generation.
Pole vault star Kurtis Marschall reveals how he manages the pressure of competition, explaining that success often comes down to focusing on just one or two key cues and knowing when to switch off and reconnect with the people who matter most.
For Sarah Carli, motivation isn’t always about feeling inspired. Instead, it’s about discipline, showing up, even on the hard days, and trusting that persistence will pay off.
Paralympic sprinter Rhiannon Clarke shares her pre-race ritual, a jump before the blocks and her signature long black socks, while also reflecting on resilience, reminding young athletes that losing is part of the journey and not the end of it.
The conversation moves beyond performance, too. Telaya Blacksmith speaks candidly about the emotional highs and lows of elite sport, emphasising that loving the process, not just the result is what makes the journey worthwhile.
Later in the segment, athletes reflect on turning points, dreams, and advice that stayed with them. From Peyton Craig’s reminder to enjoy the sport, to Kurtis Marschall’s lesson that “you don’t have to win the warm-up, you just have to win the competition,” the message is clear: progress comes from patience, passion and persistence.
For Rhiannon Clarke, legacy matters most of all. Beyond medals, she hopes to be remembered for helping change perceptions of para-athletes and encouraging more young people to see themselves in the sport.
When I Was Their Age: Rheed McCracken
Paralympic champion Rheed McCracken takes viewers back to his beginnings in Bundaberg, where athletics started not as a high-performance pursuit, but as a social, family-driven activity.
Inspired by watching the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Rheed’s pathway into para-athletics grew naturally fuelled by community support, fun, and connection rather than structured training. That sense of belonging proved vital, especially as he navigated one of the biggest challenges in para sport: access to the right equipment.
With the backing of his local community, Rheed was able to secure his first racing chair, a moment that helped unlock his potential and set him on an extraordinary path, including making his first Paralympic team at just 15 years old.
Reflecting now, his advice to young athletes is simple but powerful: enjoy the moments, don’t take everything too seriously, and appreciate the journey as it unfolds. “It’s an amazing adventure,” he says, one that becomes even more meaningful in hindsight.
Where Are They Now: Tim Matthews
Former Paralympian Tim Matthews is living proof that a sporting career doesn’t end at retirement, it simply evolves.
A three-time Paralympian, Matthews represented Australia at Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, collecting medals and unforgettable memories along the way. Born with one arm and managing complex medical challenges, he never let his impairment define his ambition, instead, he focused on ability, opportunity and effort.
His entry into para-athletics was almost accidental, sparked by a suggestion at a tennis tournament and a spontaneous trip to national championships, where he competed barefoot and discovered his talent. Less than a year later, he was on a plane to his first Paralympic Games.
Some of his most cherished moments came in relay events, including world-record-breaking performances and gold-medal victories that embodied teamwork and belief. Yet today, Matthews finds even greater fulfilment in helping others succeed.
Now a Senior Performance and Talent Advisor at Paralympics Australia, he reflects on the unique reward of coaching, watching athletes grow, overcome obstacles, and achieve things they once thought impossible. For Matthews, the friendships formed, the places travelled, and the lives impacted remain the true legacy of sport.
The Legacy Continues
As Under the Surface comes to a close, the final episode reinforces a powerful truth: athletics is more than competition. It’s about community, shared experience, and passing knowledge from one generation to the next.
Whether it’s a child asking their hero a question, an athlete reflecting on their first steps into the sport, or a former champion guiding others forward, the future of Australian Athletics is built on connection and the belief that everyone starts somewhere.
Watch the full episode of Under the Surface now on YouTube at https://youtu.be/gKcyAFs1-rQ
Posted: 24/12/2025
