Wayne’s drive to compete
WITH more than 55 years of experience as a walker and official, Wayne Fletcher is simply a living legend of Tasmanian athletics – and he isn’t done yet.
The sprightly 70-year-old has forged a legacy and reputation as the everyman of track and field in Tasmania, with an illustrious resume of competitive experience and accolades as an administrator and official.
With no intention of stopping soon, Fletcher has turned his attention to the Tasmanian Masters Championships this weekend, in which he will be the oldest competitor.
He has competed as a member of the Northern Suburbs Athletics Club for more than 50 years in a variety of disciplines across track and field, estimating he has competed around 2000 times, but his initiation into athletics came almost by accident.
“I was conned into a walk race when I was at New Town High School. I walked fast around the school and some of the other kids told me about training, which I thought was quite strange. I went along to a walk race and came second and from then on I have kept on going,” he said.
Fletcher returned from officiating on the mainland last weekend before turning his at- tention to competing in the Masters event this weekend.
“The past two years I haven’t walked as much but now it feels the best,” said Fletcher, who had a knee replacement nine weeks ago.
“The other day I did a 5km walk for training and then went home and took the dog for another 3km walk – at his pace.”
Fletcher has worked as the president of Athletics Tasmania, being recognised with an OAM.
He has also worked as an official at high-profile events including the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
But his heart still lies with his Northern Suburbs Athletics Club.
“I still go out and try to get points for the club. It might take me two minutes to do a short race, but I am still earning points that go towards the premiership” Fletcher said.
His passion for athletics rests purely on the thrill of competing and the joy of staying fit.
“I’ve had a good innings but I’m not a couch potato. I’m out there and still enjoying it.
“I’m a winner because I’m fit and I finish it. You don’t have to cross the line first – you just have to get out and do it.”