FROM GRASSROOTS TO GLORY provides an in-depth look into the behind the scenes of the Victorian Athletic League.
From the professional athletes, to commentators, members and sport businesses, these are the stories you haven't heard before. Explored in an intimate manner you've never experienced before.
Learn about the inspiring beginnings of the VAL's best athletes, and their rise to success.
Become educated on how leading sport businesses are changing the landscape of professional running in Victoria, and allowing our best athletes go From Grassroots, To Glory.
Daniel Gilhooley | The Number 1 Running Footwear Store On The Mornington Peninsula | Ep 18
Today’s guest is a man who loves running through and through.
Born in the UK, and now living in Australia, Daniel Gilhooley knows running.
A keen photographer and traveller in his spare time, Daniel loves to explore.
But it is through his professional capacity where Daniel is really making waves.
Daniel is the store manager for the Mornington location of ProFeet Footwear, which is a running-centric shoe store brand, using podiatry methods to help customers locate the perfect pair of runners that matches their body’s needs.
I can personally pay testimony to Daniel’s expertise in running and the biomechanics of the human body, as he has previously fitted me with the perfect pair of runners for my body.
In today’s episode, we dive deep in Daniel’s mind, get his take on all things running, what makes the perfect shoe, and what it is that makes him continue to give back to community sport and fitness events time after time.
Please welcome to the pod, Daniel Gilhooley.
8 Feb 2024
Jarrod Hill | The Making Of A World Class Athletics Track | Ep 17
You all have ran on a number of different athletics tracks over the course of your careers. But have you ever wondered what the difference is between a good athletics track and a world class athletics track?
Jarrod Hill is the CEO of Australian field of play design company, SportENG, and he's designed a number of the athletics track that you've probably ran at at some point throughout your running career. Including, proclamation park in Ringwood, home of the Ringwood Gift, Sydney Olympic Park, QSAC and the 2018 Gold Coast Comm Games surface.
We speak with Jarrod about the engineering behind a world-standard athletics track, what unique elements SportENG brings to the table, and how SportENG is leading the way for the next generation of Australian athletes.
But not only this, we also get to learn about the man, diving into his life as CEO, his passions outside of business and what made him want to get involved in the sporting industry.
24 Oct 2023
Brett Robinson | "What I've Learnt From My Athletes" | Ep 16
He's one of the most successful coaches in the VAL.
A 5 time Stawell gift winner, he is inches away from becoming the coach with the most Stawell gift wins.
He’s had some of the best athletes in the country under his watch over the years, and as season 2023/24 kicks off, he’s eyeing up big things for his squad this season.
In today’s episode, we’ll learn the humble nature of Brett Robinson, the methods behind his coaching, and what he has learnt from his athletes over the years.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
10 Oct 2023
Steve Brossman | The Injury That Changed His Life Forerver | Ep 15
On the verge of breaking into the Australian Olympic team, a young Steve Brossman was on top of his game.
Taking out numerous Gifts across the Australian Pro-running circuit, and competing at the biggest events, Steve was on a path of athletic success.
Then, a life changing injury occured.
It would change his pathway in life, and is something he has taken on board and allowed to enlighten his life.
This is Steve's story on how he went from an Olympic hopeful, to reaping entrepreneurial success.
28 Sept 2023
Mia Spencer | An Emerging Talent With A Strong Mind | Ep 14
To achieve any great level of success in life, one must have the mindset to get through difficult times.
Mia Spencer is a good example of this. Whilst she hasn't yet hit the major goals she strives for, she has had to overcome many setbacks.
And it is her mindset that has allowed her to stay humble, hustle through difficult times, and has led to her being one of the emerging talents in the VAL.
In today's episode, we chat with Mia about her ambitions, the mindset required to the best, and what it means to have the support of corporate sponsors.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
12 Sept 2023
Scott Rowsell | People Over Performance | Ep 13
Great coaches are the difference between the success and failure of a team or athlete.
Think of your Sir Alex Ferguson's and Manchester United, Alastair Clarkson and Hawthorn.
Effective coaching doesn't just happen on its own. It is its own sport. Endless hours of researching, learning, executing and reviewing.
But this is what the best coaches do, and Scott Rowsell has done just this.
Coach of the RAD squad, he's known as one of the best in the VAL, and his track record speaks for itself.
In today's episode, Scott is incredibly generous in granting us insight into his training methods, and the tips and tricks he uses to help his athletes excel.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
29 Aug 2023
Shenae Keleher | Leading The Way For Sporting Success | Ep 12
Having previously been in the role of marketing and communications for Triathlon Victoria, to her current role as the CEO of the FedUni West Vic Academy of Sport, Shenae Keleher has always had sport in her blood.
As a former athlete herself, Shenae can relate to the common struggles faced by junior athletes, and it is through her experiences she is making a massively positive impact on some of our most promising athletes in regional Victoria.
We speak with Shenae about her role, where she sees sport moving in the coming years, as well as the impact of the axed 2026 Comm Games.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
15 Aug 2023
Matt Rizzo | From Stawell Gift Champion, To Chasing Olympic Dreams | Ep 11
He's a name everyone in the VAL will know.
A former Stawell Gift champion, Matt Rizzo is now only inches away from qualifying for the Paris 2024 Australian team.
Matt shares with us his story, from his grassroots in Langwarrin, to his relationship with partner Bree Masters, and his ambitions for the years to come.
If you'd like to be like Matt, and share your story, please DM us on Instagram at https://www.instagram/com/fixonsport_au
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
8 Aug 2023
Bella Pasquali | A Champion With A Bright Future | Ep 10
When we were chatting with Bella about organising a time for her to join the podcast, her reply was "we'd have to organise a time in the afternoon because I've got school".
This had us stumped for a second, before remembering that Bella is indeed only 16 years of age.
And this story is testament to what she has achieved in her young life so far.
A Stawell Gift champion, and one of the brightest talents in not just the VAL, but Australian athletics, Bella has the world ahead of her.
But, despite her successes, it is warming to see that she is very level headed, and not getting ahead of herself - kudos to her parents.
Enjoy listening to this eagerly awaited episode of the pod.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
1 Aug 2023
Carla Bull | Student, Business Owner and Sporting Excellence | Ep 9
Carla Bull is more than just a former Stawell Gift winner.
She is a student, studying to be a physio. A business owner. And she is an Australian track representative, where at the time of the release of this episode, is representing Australia in China as part of the World Uni Games.
Carla chats with us about life after her Stawell Gift victory, the struggles of the business life, and her ambitions for her sporting career in the years to come.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
28 Jul 2023
Saye Morris | An Upcoming Star Of The VAL | Ep 8
Saye Morris is one of the most exciting athletes breaking through the ranks in the VAL.
He had a ripper 2022/23 season, where alongside a few major wins, he qualified or the Stawell Gift Final, but unfortunately was unable to race due to injury.
Saye chats with us about the importance of sleep, effective recovery, and provides us with insight into the training culture of the RAD Squad.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
26 Jul 2023
Daniel Gunn | Excellence In Building Victoria's Future | Ep 7
Daniel Gunn is the Director of the Ballarat Office at AS James.
As a geotechnical engineering company, AS James have been responsible for some of Victoria's biggest sporting builds, including the recently completed Matilda's training facility, as well as the Ringwood Gift track.
Having recently won a tender for the Mars Stadium upgrade, Daniel talks us through the work of AS James, and their contribution
to building the facilities for our next generation of star athletes.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
22 Jul 2023
Alex Jones | Diet, Training, Winning | Ep 6
In today's episode, we learn a bit of a different perspective on the VAL.
Alex Jones is fresh off a successful 2022/23 season, where his efforts were recognised as he was awarded the Middle Distance Athlete of the Year, at the VRTA awards night.
Alex provides us with some insight into his diet and training program, and explains how his approach is different to those of the sprinters we have spoken with previously.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
18 Jul 2023
Ramona Casey | Determination, Courage, Success | Ep 5
From being told she would never run again, totoday, at the age of 39 she is at the top of her game, winning the 400m at Stawell, and currently over in Europe competing alongside fellow VAL athletes.
If you are ever asked the definition of determination, Ramona’s story is the answer.
Ramona Casey's inspiring story begins with her training alongside adults aged 7, and fast forwarding to today, she is training the next generation of VAL stars, whilst still competing week in, week out.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
14 Jul 2023
Grace O'Dwyer | Queen of the Turf? | Ep 4
Today we chat with one of the stars of the VAL circuit. A former Stawell Gift winner, who came so close to winning a second last season.
Grace has had it tough in previous seasons, but in 2022/23 she made strides again, and is set up for a huge 2023/24 season.
Being coached day her dad, she’s in a very unique position, and will be sharing her story with us today
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
11 Jul 2023
Ollie Wurm | The Voice Of The VAL | Ep 3
He's the man that everyone hears, but few rarely see.
The voice of the VAL, Ollie Wurm has seen it all.
From his running days, to now being one of the official VAL race callers, Ollie has the insider knowledge about our superstar athletes in the Victorian Athletic League.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
7 Jul 2023
Keely Henderson | More Than A Runner | Ep 2
After coming back from numerous injuries, surgeries and prolonged recovery periods, this athlete is back at the top of her game.
Keely Henderson has been a familiar face on the VAL circuit for a number of years. But the past 2022/23 season, could well have been her best yet.
Keely provides insight into the lows of her running career, coming back from injury and the mindset required to achieve greatness.
Keely is more than just a runner however. She is an Osteopath, with a keen interest in helping fellow athletes have their injury troubles diagnosed, and is one of the trio over at the Walk To Your Blocks podcast.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
3 Jul 2023
Endale Mekonnen | Australia's Ethiopian Sprinting Superstar | Ep 1
With an Ethiopian background, this teenage superstar is defying stereotypes and killing it in the VAL as a sprinter.
Fresh off an amazing 2022/23 season, we chat with Endale Mekonnen, VRTA Athlete of The Year, and VRTA Male Performance of The Year winner.
Endale provides insight into his love for the VAL, and his targets ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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Our goal is to help take the VAL to new heights, at a national landscape, by 2026.
To assist with this, every share by you helps to increase the exposure of this amazing competition that we all love.
Thank you for your support!
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