Inkster on Brink of Breakthrough | Australian All Schools Championships

Hearing her name sound over the school’s PA system as a 12-year-old, Olivia Rose Inkster walked nervously to the office where she was informed of her Mum’s breast cancer diagnosis. The nerves still tremble as Inkster’s name rings around stadiums over the world, but the 17-year-old now runs confidently with her biggest fan behind every stride.

The Pymble teenager is impressive. Undeniably talented yet equally raw, Inkster radiates potential that suggests her current bests of 11.70 and 23.82 are on borrowed time. Reflecting on her international debut at the 2022 World Under 20 Championships in Cali, the 17-year-old reels off a clinical answer about sacrifice and hard work – only she is not talking about herself.

“Mum actually had breast cancer when I was 12, she is all good now thankfully. I remember the day so well when I got called out of class to go to the office and Mum told me as we were walking out of school. It was really hard for me being so young, all I wanted to do was be next to Mum and make sure she was OK,” Inkster says.

“She was the most important person who motivated me to continue to run. Even though she was going through chemotherapy, radiation, and a few surgeries - she always took me to training and came to every competition.

“That really motivated me to be a better athlete, she was always by my side which was completely amazing for someone who was going through that. I am so grateful for her every day and she has really helped me to become the athlete and person that I am today.”

Initially selected solely in the six-woman 4x100m squad for the championships, Inkster was guaranteed just one run on Colombian soil before the withdrawal of a teammate opened a vacancy in the 200m. Racing three times in one day, she qualified for the 200m semi-finals and assisted the 4x100m team to the final the following day, where Inkster delivered a pivotal leg as Australia charged to sixth place.

“I’m generally quite a nervous person. I warm up with my headphones on but as soon as I get into the callroom I just start word vomiting, I will talk to anyone who is willing to listen. I often talk to the officials,” Inkster says.

“It was quite physically and mentally challenging being exhausted after every race, but I was happy with my performance and took so much confidence out of it. Being three years young for the age group was a bit nerve racking but the support system was amazing, I have so many memories and friendships that I will cherish forever.”

Coached by Katie Edwards and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, the New South Wales Junior’s early season showings all but confirm another season of upward trajectory despite a bout of COVID-19 and minor quadricep injury post World Under 20’s - with Pymble Ladies College product packing in the gunpowder as she prepares to fire faster than ever in 2023.

“My start is a bit hit or miss, so getting out of the blocks and driving hard to go forward has been something that I am working on. Hopefully if I can do that I can get out in front while still keeping my back end which I am pretty happy with - I will really be firing,” Inkster says.

The former 400m national junior champion is set to continue her focus on the 100m/200m double at the Australian All Schools Championships in Adelaide this December, with advice not coming much better than that of the Australian 200m record holder and 1995 World Indoor champion.

“Mel [Gainsford-Taylor] knows what I am going through and how it feels. She just tells me to have fun and stay relaxed, and stories of how when she ran the Australian 200m record she didn’t think it was a good time because she didn’t feel like she was straining,” Inkster says.

“Katie [Edwards] is an amazing coach, and she just gets me. She understands when I need her to be tough, kind or loving. I know that I can tell her how I am truly feeling whether that be with sports or academics, which is very much a quality that I cherish.”

Eligible for the next World Under 20 Championships hosted in Lima in 2024, the multi-talented Inkster continues to narrow down her sporting focus to just sprinting, having already given away state-level netball, swimming and nippers – with just one final touch football competition to win before hanging up the boots this February.

The accomplished teenager has figured out more than most at her age, but thanks to parents Honey and Steve, the emerging sprinter is yet to settle on one crucial detail.

“Mum says my first name is Olivia Rose, but Dad says that Rose is my middle name,” Inkster says.

Inkster looms large as the favourite to win the 100m/200m Under 18 double at the Australian All Schools Championships in Adelaide, running from December 9-11. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 20/11/2022