The Victorian Race Walking Club

We are used to seeing Ian Laurie at the start/finish line, timekeeping and doing other admin related work on most racedays at Middle Park. But did you ever wonder how Ian came to be involved with our sport of racewalking.

Like many others, it came about through his role as a parent. When his daughter Natalie joined the club in 2002 as an Under 12 walker, Ian tagged along as driver and tracksuit holder!

Rather than just watch from the sidelines, Ian volunteered to help with the lapscoring, a position that he has maintained ever since, meaning he is now in his 18th year as a club official.

Natalie was a very impressive young walker, hurdler and heptathlete, but injuries eventually caught up with her, cutting short what had looked to be a promising career. During her rehab, she regularly joined Ian as one of our officials, and she fulfilled the role as VRWC Junior Club Captain for a number of years.

Eventually, university studies beckoned and we lost Natalie, but Ian has contined to come, week in and week out, manning the lapsheets at the finish line tent.

At the 2019 VRWC Annual General Meeting, Ian was awarded life membership, a fitting recognition of his many years of service to our club.