NZ runners’ history an inspiring survey
Aotearoanewzealand is a nation of runners with a proud heritage dating back to the 1800s. The story of our athletes’ achievements and their inspiring legacy is told in forthcoming bookthe Kiwirunners’familytree:volumeone 1800s-1999.
The book showcases the full gamut of the Kiwi running experience— from our sprinters, middledistance, long-distance and marathon runners, to hurdlers and steeplechasers, race walkers, para athletes, ultra-distance and adventure runners.
Wespoke to author Dreydon Sobanja:
Whatinspiredyouto research andwrite NZ’S running history?
Myvision started small. I had planned on highlighting just the superstars to inspire kids to dream beyond those stars. However, the more research I did, themore I realised that manybooks like that had already been written, but I also noticed no one else had taken on a complete history ofnewzealand running. The spark of inspiration to expandmyresearch camewhen I read Arthur Lydiard’s quote “Give me100 athletes and I’ll give you 100 champions.”
Without playing favourites, which athletes impressed you the most?
I amperfectly comfortable playing favourites. I metwith 87-year-old Mille Sampson just before our country got locked down. I had to meet with her on one of her days off because she’s still working part-time. I knew very little about her beforewechatted, but by the end of the interview I understood exactly whylorraine Moller called her a pioneer and whyheather Matthews had putmein contact with her. Millie was the first Kiwiwomanto run under five minutes for the mile, which is significant but never talked about. Millie also thought nothing of being dragged out of bed to run her first marathon after a night of “celebrating”. I also loved the fact she suggestedweelbowbumpwhen I left.
Whatsurprisedyoumostwhen talking to runnersandcoaches?
Mainly their approachability and their attitude to life. Most athletes and coaches I contacted were more than willing to answer questions and have conversations, and at least half wanted to meet in person. Although all of their stories were different, they seemed to share the same traits and disciplines. Whenyou talk to people in their 80s and 90swho are able to recall moments in detail that occurred over half a century ago, it makes it hard to argue against the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and a trained mental attitude.
Howhas running changedover the years?
You will get as manyanswers as there are experts. You often hear them talk about the two golden ages. They refer to our success on the track in the 1960swith the likes of Snell, Halberg and Chamberlain and then in the 1970s/80s with Walker, Moller, Audain, Roe, Dixon and Quax. Most believe the third golden age hasn’t arrived, but I believe it has comeand gone andwecould be about to see the fourth. During the 1990s and into the current millennium, Kiwis have expanded into mountain running with a six-timeworld champion and ultramarathon and adventure running with worldwide recognisable names like Max Telford, Sandy Barwick, Kymmcconnell and Lisa Tamati. Without wishing to jinx them, I think the fourth golden age will be provided by our para athletes, who are a group of young and very talented track runners including William Steadman, Keegan Pitcher and Dani Aitchison. I just hope those in high places are brave enough to see it in this way, within time.
Whatareyoumostproud of?
I’m proud I stayed the course and published the book despite themany obstacles along the way. But I haven’t done it onmyown. I have a great professional team and partnershipswith other organisations. They givemetheir advice, experience and energy, which ensured the end product is of high quality.