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Melbourne's Olympic Park - one final look back - IAAFPublished by
Melbourne, Australia - As Melbourne’s Olympic Park gets set to host the Melbourne Track Classic one last time, correspondent Len Johnson takes one final look back at this monumental athletics venue. From primary school carnivals to the IAAF Grand Prix Final, Melbourne’s Olympic Park precinct has hosted athletics events at every level. Its origins as a sport and recreation area go back to the 1860s. Landy's heroics lands Melbourne on the Athletics map No one talked much about Olympic Park as a venue for world class athletics until John Landy ran 4:02.1 for the mile there on 13 December, 1952. Elliott and Clarke continue tradition Influx of international stars begins in the 1980s The 2001 IAAF Grand Prix final was another highlight, with athletes such as Hicham El Guerrouj, Andre Bucher, Violete Szekely, Maria Mutola and Kelly Holmes, Jan Zelezny and Stacy Dragila all starring. It’s going to be sad leaving Olympic Park. If you’re a Victorian who has done athletics you have probably competed there for school, club or in state or national championships. More news |