Steve Hooker returns to athletics at ZÁTOPEK:10

Australia's own pole vaulting legend, Steve Hooker, is gearing up for a return to athletics – but this time, he's venturing into uncharted territory. The 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist is setting his sights on breaking the national 4x400 meters record for men aged between 40-44, a record that has remained unbroken for four decades.

Hooker will be teaming up with close friend Brendan Cole (Olympian, and gold medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the 4 × 400 metres), Hugh van Cuylenburg (founder of The Resilience Project), and Simon Glendenning – who discovered a talent for running later in life, after joining daughter Eloise in what is now a shared passion. The quartet aims to make history at the On Track Nights ZÁTOPEK:10 on December 2 – as part of an exciting timetable scheduled for the evening. The ambitious endeavour stems from a dream shared by the athletes, as revealed on The Imperfects podcast.

Beyond the record attempt, the team is using their efforts to raise funds for the Community Spirit Foundation, founded by Cathy Freeman in 2007. The foundation works in partnership with remote First Nations communities to ensure their young people have the best outcomes and opportunities through education and lifelong learning.

Speaking on the Imperfects Podcast, Van Cuylenberg said they’ll give the record a good shake.

“It’s going to be close,” he said on the podcast, referring to the record of 3:26.86 set in Christchurch in 1981.

“Steve and Brendan will do it. We trained together last Friday and I cannot believe how fast the two of them are; it is mind-blowing how quick they are.”

“If we are all healthy, I think it’s quite doable. If we are all healthy for four weeks leading in, I think it’s definitely doable. But the biggest challenge is all staying on track,” Hooker confirmed.

Regardless of the outcome, Hooker embraces the challenge with a newfound enthusiasm: "Embrace the challenge, have fun with it, and it doesn’t really matter. I’ve already had my fun with these boys along the way, I’ve loved it, it’s got me excited, I’ve never felt more in my body than when I sprint, and they brought that back for me, so I’m very grateful for the boys for taking up running in their late 30s and making me want to do it again." Those who have listened to the podcast featuring Hooker will be very keen to see which colour baton the team carries.

We can’t wait to see everyone at Lakeside Stadium to watch the record attempt as part of the On Track Nights ZÁTOPEK:10 on December 2 – which includes some of the world’s best athletes, beer tunnels, flash tattoos, over-the-track bridges, food trucks, a community run, DJ sets and a special performance from ARIA-winning duo Peking Duk.

To get your tickets CLICK HERE, and enter the code ‘theimperfects’ at the top of the tickets listing to have $5 of the proceeds donated to the Community Spirit Foundation.

By Athletics Victoria 
Posted: 21/11/2023