From the racing chair to the commentary chair | Christie Dawes

For more than two decades, Christie Dawes has carved a path through the world of Paralympic sport but as the Paralympic Games beckoned, Dawes found herself at a crossroads – one path led to familiar terrain, another to unchartered territory. 

Instead of chasing another finish line, the racing veteran chose a new challenge – to make a difference in para sport as a commentator for Channel 9.

For Dawes, the decision to step away for what could have been her eighth Paralympic Games wasn’t easy, but it was one that came after deep reflection about the future – not for herself but for her family.

“I did some B qualifying times and I was confident about the quota spots, so I felt like I had a good chance of making the team. But I didn’t make the A qualifier, so I wouldn’t know if I was going to be selected until quite late.”

With her husband Andrew Dawes, a stalwart coach and an integral part of the Australian Paralympic coaching line up, booked for Paris, their plans as parents became even more complicated.

“Andrew was already set to go to Paris as part of the team, and we always try to keep one parent in the country where we can. I had to consider what was best for our family.”

Behind the practical decision, however, was something more stirring – a growing desire to shape the narrative of para athletics in a different way.

As much as she had given to the Paralympic movement as an athlete, she knew she could offer something just as valuable from behind the microphone.

“At 44, yes, I’d make the team and could go to Paris, and likely not medal, doing what I’ve been doing for years. Or, I could contribute in a different way – one that really scared me,” she admits.

Dawes had never commentated before, and the idea of broadcasting for 14 hours a day on live television was a leap into the unknown.

“I’ve always told athletes to make the most of opportunities that come to you and this was one of those times. It scared me, but I thought, ‘why not taket the risk?”

Despite the nerves, Dawes threw herself into preparation, tapping into a network of friends and colleagues with experience under their belt.

“I worked my arse off,” she said with a laugh. “I had to learn about athletes I didn’t know, like Telaya Blacksmith, and get comfortable with events that I hadn’t paid attention to before… long jump terrified me!”

The hardwork paid off. Dawes quickly settled into her role, joining a seasoned team that included the familiar faces of Paralympic Tim Matthews and David Culbert – former athletes who had transitioned seamlessly into the commentary world.

Dawes transition from an athlete to commentator – although a brief stint – highlights her ongoing evolution and her commitment to Paralympic sport.

“As an athlete, you contribute by competing but this was a chance to contribute by telling the stories of these incredible athletes and helping more people see the impact of Paralympic sport.”

Even in this new chapter of her career, Dawes isn’t quite ready to hang up her racing gloves yet. Having placed second at the Sydney Marathon last week, and with Berlin and New York in her sights, she still has success on her mind.

“I’m not dominating the top-10 anymore, but our wheelchair marathon community is an extraordinary one. I’m putting off the ‘r-word’ for as long as I can because it’s not the racing I’ll miss – it’s the camaraderie.

As she looks ahead, Dawes remains committed to balancing her athletics career with her work off the track. Along with her commentary work, she works at ABC Radio in Newcastle, runs an Airbnb and manages her busy family life.

“It’s funny,” she reflects. “I used to see myself as just an athlete, but now I know I can contribute in so many different ways. Commentating was a huge step outside of my comfort zone but it felt like the right one. And who knows? Maybe I’ll be back in the booth for the next Paralympics too.”

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 20/9/2024