WA'S MASTER ATHLETES FLOURISH IN FLORIDA

The international season is starting to heat up, and no place has been warmer than Florida for the World Masters Indoor Championships, where the best from the West swept a slew of medals for Australia. 

More than 4,000 athletes descended on Gainesville, Florida, for the 2025 World Masters Indoor Championships, delivering a massive 7-days of athletics competition. An impressive team of 52 Australian athletes made the trip to Gainesville, with Australia finishing fifth in the medal count (19 gold, 14 silver, and 11 bronze).

WA's very own led the charge with Melissa Foster, who was named Flag Bearer for the Opening Ceremony, taking out double gold in the Women's 45 Long Jump and Triple Jump Finals.

Melissa Lewis kept the country's gold rush going with dual gold medals in both the Womens's 35 3000m and 10000m Race Walk finals, and was joined by Athletics WA Life Member Lynne Schickert who claimed gold in the Women's 80 3000m Race Walk. Schickert further impressed with a bronze medal in the Women's 80 High Jump final. 

WA's men gave it their all out on the track with Greg Brennan contesting the Men's 55 60m race, placing 35th and Bob Schickert running the Men's 80 3000m final to place 6th. 

Donna Hiscox rounded out the performances for the state with a berth in the Women 's 55 Hammer and Discus Throw competitoins. Discox placed 19th in the Hammer and was able to better her placing the Discus final to secure 13th. 

The state's presence extdended beyond competing with both Bob Schickert and Matthew Vine selected as Technical Officials for the World Championships. 

Australians shattered records—again and again—with a remarkable display of talent and determination, including a new World Record set by Australian athletes in the women’s 55 age group –  Janelle Delaney in the 400m and the team of Richelle Ingram, Julie Brims, Lenore Lambert, and Janelle Delaney in the 4 x 200m relays. Australian athletes also broke 39 Australian and State Masters Athletics Indoor records at these championships.

To find out more about Masters Athletics in Western Australia and to start your athletics journey, click HERE. 

You can follow all the athletics action via Athletics West’s Facebook and Instagram pages.  

For more information about how you can get started in athletics, contact Athletics West on 08 6272 0480 or email admin@athleticswest.com.au 

By David Smith, Athletics West

Additional Reporting by Melissa Lewis and Masters Athletics Australia

Posted 2 May 2025