RAMSDEN READY TO ROCK ZATOPEK AS ATHLETE AND COACH
Published Sat 02 Dec 2023
Matthew Ramsden will take on double duty this weekend when he launches his campaign for a berth at Paris 2024 at the On Track Nights ZÁTOPEK:10 in Melbourne. Lining up in the Men’s 3000m for a hit out with Australian U18 1500m Record holder Cameron Myers and fellow West Australian Jesse Hunt, Ramsden will also have a close eye on the U20 3000m as coach of Commonwealth Youth Games athlete Ky Hehir.
Ramsden has spent 2023 balancing his talents as an elite middle-distance athlete and coach to some of the state’s best runners. Now with the first major event of the Summer Season set to thrill Melbourne’s passionate middle-distance community, Ramsden will look to return to Perth as both a Champion athlete and coach.
“It’s a good time of year to stretch out the legs. I’ve been in a heavy bass phase so it’s a little test and sets me up well to run a 5000m in Perth next week.” Ramsden said.
While for Hehir, fresh from his exams, the On Track Nights ZÁTOPEK:10 will be his first time at the event and hopefully the start of another big season.
“I’m feeling pretty good. Having won [the 3000m] earlier in the year it makes me feel good. Under 20 is another step up so hopefully I can go back-to-back. That’s the goal.” Hehir added.
For Ramsden, it has been a busy year as an athlete and coach. Returning to the Australian team for the World Athletics Championships and Road Running Championships, he also saw his first-ever athlete secure selection in an Australian team.
Through all this, Ramsden admits one of the biggest successes of 2023 was not just coaching Hehir to his first Australian team selection, but doing so without having Hehir sacrifice by moving away from home.
“It’s something that means a lot to me. I had everyone in my ear saying go east, go to America. When I finally became a senior, it was a difficult decision, but I chose Perth. I think it’s the best place in the world to train, the poor man’s altitude is the heat. “ Ramsden said.
Taking advantage of his expertise and background, Ramsden saw the opportunity to provide a similar experience for athletes and started up his running group.
“The original purpose of me setting up a group in Perth was to provide an elite base so athletes don’t always have to travel east. I am a family guy so I know how hard it can be. So, to have Ky be the first of the group to prove it works, was a huge accomplishment.”
Hehir produced a dominant performance at the Chemist Warehouse Australian Junior Championships to collect the U18 3000m national title and secure his inaugural Australian selection. Debuting in the green and gold at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, Hehir ran a valiant race to just miss out on a podium and collect fourth in 8:25.81.
“It was really good, just going to a really obscure place is eye-opening and being in the team environment was just an excellent experience. Hopefully, it sets me up well for something like the World Junior and World Cross Country Championships.” Hehir said.
Now with the Summer Season officially underway, both Ramsden and Hehir will begin a new campaign to secure selection with the duo lining up in the Open and Under 20 3000m respectively at Lakeside Stadium.
Reflecting on what it’s like to coach and compete at the same event, Ramsden is keen to embrace both aspects of life and take the opportunity whenever he can.
“It’s always fun to run at the same events as Ky. I’ve been like a big brother for the last few years, so we’ve got a great personal relationship. I am not a big fan of coaches who hover with their athletes all competition, so we will catch up before and then we’ll focus on running our races. Then catch up for some dinner and debrief.” Ramsden said.
As a former 3000m Champion at Zatopek, Ramsden has been able to provide key insight for Hehir’s step up to the Under 20 age group and help make sure the Perth Track and field runner is ready for the fight.
“It’s been really good leading into the competition. He has his personal experiences with the race and can pass it on to me. He is a very good friend and that helps. It is great if you can have more of a relationship beyond just a coach-athlete. We are close off the track and he is a really good guy.” Hehir added.
Western Australia will be well represented with multiple athletes lining up at the On Track Nights ZÁTOPEK:10. The 10,000m Australian Championship race will see West Australians Luke Burrows and Daniel Canala go for gold alongside the 2022 Champion Jack Rayner. While World Athletics Cross Country representative Charli-Rose Carlyon will line up in the Women’s U20 3000m event.
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For any queries, please contact Athletics West at admin@athleticswest.com.au or 08 6272 0480.
By David Smith (Athletics West)
Posted 2 December 2023
