NZ runners’ history an inspiring survey
Aotearoa New Zealand 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 book The 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.
We spoke to author Dreydon Sobanja:
What inspired you to research and write NZ’s running history?
My vision started small. I had planned on highlighting just the superstars to inspire kids to dream beyond those stars. However, the more research I did, the more I realised that many books like that had already been written, but I also noticed no one else had taken on a complete history of New Zealand running. The spark of inspiration to expand my research came when I read Arthur Lydiard’s quote “Give me 100 athletes and I’ll give you 100 champions.”
Without playing favourites, which athletes impressed you the most?
I am perfectly comfortable playing favourites. I met with 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 before we chatted, but by the end of the interview I understood exactly why Lorraine Moller called her a pioneer and why Heather Matthews had put me in contact with her. Millie was the first Kiwi woman to 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 suggested we elbow bump when I left.
What surprised you most when talking to runners and coaches?
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. When you talk to people in their 80s and 90s who 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.
How has running changed over the years?
You will get as many answers as there are experts. You often hear them talk about the two golden ages. They refer to our success on the track in the 1960s with 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 come and gone and we could be about to see the fourth. During the 1990s and into the current millennium, Kiwis have expanded into mountain running with a six-time world champion and ultramarathon and adventure running with worldwide recognisable names like Max Telford, Sandy Barwick, Kym McConnell 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.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud I stayed the course and published the book despite the many obstacles along the way. But I haven’t done it on my own. I have a great professional team and partnerships with other organisations. They give me their advice, experience and energy, which ensured the end product is of high quality.