Stankovic-Mowle Calls Time | A Shift in Focus for Paralympic Star

Calling it a day on the track and roads, Eliza Stankovic-Mowle is far from your typical retiree. A buzzing work phone and barking dog battle for the attention of the two-time Paralympian, who rings from her lunch break to reveal the next chapter of her life in athletics. 

With a long list of accolades to her name including medals at the Commonwealth Games, World Para Athletics Championships, and even Olympic Games in a demonstration race, Stankovic-Mowle’s resume is only enhanced by the manner in which it was built. 

Reflecting on a career that spanned 20-years and included a decade-long break to raise her young family of three, Stankovic-Mowle speaks of her unique journey with fondness having taken the time to process the decision and her priorities moving forward.   

“All of the elements that I have been able to experience have given me such richness and such an incredible career. I am so grateful that I decided to push myself to pursue sport, that second time around especially - coming back as a parent and mature-age athlete presented me with some really unique challenges,” Stankovic-Mowle says. 

“I’m really grateful that I didn’t rush myself post Tokyo and just call things done and dusted then and there. I competed a couple of times over the summer before realising I had to step away and think about how I would like to be involved in the sport, which is from a slightly different angle now.”

Stankovic-Mowle is set to bring a wealth of experience to the Athletics Australia family in her new role as Wellbeing and Engagement Coordinator, drawing on her time with beloved coaches Fred Periac and Paul Angel in endeavouring to enhance the experience and performance of Australia’s top athletes. 

“Fred has been such an incredible person, so much more than a coach. To be able to work with him in a different capacity and support him is something I am really looking forward to, his values and passion to see his athletes succeed in sport and life is something that resonates with me,” Stankovic-Mowle says. 

Competing at the Paralympic Games at Athens in 2004 and Tokyo in 2021, the 41-year-old has been able to both participate in and witness the Paralympic movement, developing a holistic insight into life on and off the track – a key feature of her latest appointment. 

“I have been pretty lucky because I have had two careers in athletics! I have been able to see the incredible evolution of Para sport over the course of 20-years. Coming back in 2016 my children were the catalysts behind that; I took time away to start a family and never expected that to be the reason for returning to sport,” Stankovic-Mowle says.

“I have been able to not only be a part of the change, but also to watch that change from the outside. To now be part of the Athletics Australia family, I have a unique lens that I am able to share with the athletes on a day-to-day basis.”

And while athletics has been a pilar in her life for over two decades, Stankovic-Mowle plans to continue her pursuits in the disability awareness and inclusion space – combining her platform and experiences to assist the next generation. 

“I’m a hustler and a dabbler on the side, I have just written a children’s book, obviously disability awareness and inclusion is something I am very passionate about. I want to continue thinking outside the box and saying yes to opportunities, trying to live the best and fullest life I can,’ Stankovic-Mowle says. 

More about Stankovic-Mowle’s career can be found HERE. 

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 29/8/2022