Every Monday at lunchtime, a flock of geese descends on the lawns of Parliament House – Speedy Geese, that is – a diverse group of athletes that includes world champion cross-country runner, 80-year-old Caroline Campbell.
Caroline and her fellow “geese” occasionally have cake and champers after their track workout, which can include sprints, relays or push-ups, and when I caught up with Caroline after training, the special occasion was: “it’s Monday”.
Her list of achievement includes 10 marathons (42.2 km each). The most recent one, Melbourne Marathon, was to celebrate her 80th birthday.
“That was my birthday present to myself,” Caroline says, “And the [Nike] shoes.”
Her biggest claim to fame is World Champion in cross country, which she claimed last February in Bathurst – in 35-degree heat. The best part: she beat a Kiwi (a New Zealand competitor was her closest rival).
Like a V8 supercar on Mt Panorama, where the race was held, Caroline powered across the finish line with just 20 seconds between her and second place.
“I looked up the competition and saw that the others had faster times than me in the 800 metre race but I had the long-distance stamina over them thanks to my marathons,” Caroline says.
“I could hear the Kiwi breathing behind me so I knew it was close.”
Caroline’s mantra? “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” by boxer Muhammad Ali (although Caroline prefers not to sting, just float pass her competitors).
For her 81st birthday, Caroline is heading to Sydney to do the City to Surf. Her running trainer is Speedy Geese leader, 75-year-old Geoff Moore, who is incredibly proud of his brood.
He’s dedicated a lifetime to athletics, with more than 60 years of service and an OAM to prove it.
“I named it after geese because geese fly together and support each other and take turns leading,” Geoff says. “They encourage each other. It started off people interested in track athletics, now most are there for fitness. They’re the nicest group of people you’re ever going to meet.”
Geoff “retired” from athletics 20 years ago but found the habit hard to kick.
“I said I’d take up an instrument, or I’d resume swimming but I never did it, I was way too busy,” he says. “I enjoy the company of like-minded people.”
Geoff created Speedy Geese 20 years ago, an inclusive, free, athletics group that meets at Parliament House every Monday and Thursday at 12 midday. All are welcome to join and it’s free of charge.
Speedy Geese is on Facebook: @The speedygeese.
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