Versace tastes glory

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THE BORDER MAIL By KYRA SYKES

FROM the hospital bed 12 years ago to the top of the podium, former Mount Gambier athlete Luke Versace has finally achieved his ultimate goal.

Australian racing history was created on Monday, April 21when he crossed the line at Stawell’s Central Park.

The Australia Post Stawell Gift final saw Versace claim the $40,000 win by less than one hundredth of a second, the tightest finish in the race’s 133 year history.

Versace completed the 120 metre race in 12.268 seconds ahead of Augustine Carty-Cowling (12.273) and Sam Jamieson (12.296).

The thrilling photo-finish saw the winning margin at 0.005 seconds, a first for the nation’s most famous and prestigious foot race.

Versace said that claiming the win was a surreal experience.

“It felt amazing, absolutely unreal, everything that I had hoped for and more,” he said.

“It is a dream come true.”

He was determined to win this year after dedication lacked at previous attempts.

“I cannot even compare the difference, I definitely took a more professional approach going into this year’s race alongside my coach Brad Armstrong.

“I had a stronger support group this time around and made more sacrifices.

“It felt incredible to commit and finally win after racing five Gifts over 10 years.”

A large cheer squad supported Versace at Central Park in Stawell on Monday.

“I had heaps of people come out, it was great, my parents were there, other family members and around 30-40 friends.

“I gave them the heads up that I was in with a chance and they were all there to support me.”

With a prime focus on winning the Stawell Gift as a teenager, Versace found Mount Gambier offered a wealth of support.

“I entered my first Gift when I was around 18 and had plenty of support, I have always been focused on winning this race, I knew I was capable.

“The true turning point came when I was at Mount Gambier High School, I gained self confidence and belief and if it wasn’t for principal Garry Costello and the school’s support I wouldn’t have achieved so much.”

While studying at the high school for year 12, Versace kick-started his career by breaking the 100 metre sprint record.

At 19 Versace was seriously injured after being gored by a bull at the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain in 2002.

Having already competed in the Gift in 2001, Versace’s hunger was still present and during his time in hospital, he set the ultimate goal – to win the Stawell Gift.

“I had my sights set on the Stawell Gift before being hit by the bull in 2002 and the experience definitely set me back a couple of years.

“Once I returned to the track in 2005 I finished in third and I was stoked with that,” he said.

After enduring the road to recovery and taking on the 2005 final, Versace continued to chase glory years after, but it wasn’t until after Monday’s performance that he finally tasted victory.

With his major goal completed and dream fulfilled the 31-year-old retired from competitive racing after the event.

“I knew going into this race that it would be my last, win lose or draw I knew it was time to hang up the spikes.

“I always felt this goal was achievable, I just didn’t think it would take this long, but I did it.”

Versace joins fellow Stawell Gift winners from Mount Gambier C. N. McKenzie (1905) and Daniel Millard (1997) in the history books.