Go for gold and live the Olympic dream

IF YOU want to taste what it was like to be an athlete at the Sydney Olympics, former champion sprinter Melinda Gainsford-Taylor has some insights.

By InvestSMART · 4 Sep 2011

By InvestSMART ·
4 Sep 2011

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IF YOU want to taste what it was like to be an athlete at the Sydney Olympics, former champion sprinter Melinda Gainsford-Taylor has some insights.

The 39-year-old triple Olympian is an official ambassador for the Rebel Sport Run4Fun, presented by The Sun-Herald, and hopes to tackle the 10-kilometre run through Olympic Park on November 6. The event, she says, is an opportunity for mothers, fathers and children to experience some Olympic inspiration with the finish line inside ANZ Stadium.

"The great thing about the Run4Fun is that you get the opportunity, in a small way, to experience what it's like to run into an Olympic stadium," Gainsford-Taylor said. "[At the Sydney Olympics] lining up for the 100m and the announcer saying my name, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, and then the roar and the cheering of the crowd, that's something you never forget. There won't be 100,000 people sitting in the stands but it will still be very special to run in and see yourself on the big screen and know you've finished a 10-kilometre race."

Since her retirement from international competition in 2002, Gainsford-Taylor has become a mother of two and established a career in the media and coaching athletics for children. She urged participants to get active and support the event's charity partners - Westmead, Sydney and John Hunter children's hospitals.

"There is nothing worse than when your children aren't well and it just seems like an easy thing to do, to go in the Run4Fun and help fund-raise for the hospitals that treat our kids," she said.

The rundown

To enter, see run4fun.com.au. Rebel Sport Run4Fun presented by The Sun-Herald is proudly supported by Brooks, Sydney Olympic Park, ANZ Stadium, Novotel, Timex, R4YL, Nova 96.9 and our charity partners The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Kaleidoscope Hunter Children's Network, Newcastle and the Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What is the Rebel Sport Run4Fun event and when is the 10km run scheduled?

Rebel Sport Run4Fun, presented by The Sun‑Herald, is a community running event that includes a 10‑kilometre course through Sydney Olympic Park. The article notes the 10km run is scheduled for November 6, with the finish line inside ANZ Stadium.

Who is Melinda Gainsford‑Taylor and what is her role with Run4Fun?

Melinda Gainsford‑Taylor is a former champion sprinter and triple Olympian who retired from international competition in 2002. She is an official ambassador for the Rebel Sport Run4Fun, hopes to tackle the 10km course, and encourages families to get active and support the event's charities.

Is the Run4Fun suitable for families and children?

Yes. The event is promoted as family‑friendly — Melinda highlights it as an opportunity for mothers, fathers and children to enjoy Olympic inspiration and experience running into the stadium together.

Which charity partners benefit from the Rebel Sport Run4Fun?

The event supports several children’s health charities, including The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Kaleidoscope – Hunter Children’s Network (Newcastle), and the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. The article also refers generally to Westmead, Sydney and John Hunter children’s hospitals as charity partners.

Who are the sponsors and supporters of the Run4Fun event?

The Run4Fun is proudly supported by a range of partners named in the article, including Rebel Sport, The Sun‑Herald, Brooks, Sydney Olympic Park, ANZ Stadium, Novotel, Timex, R4YL and Nova 96.9.

How do I register or enter the Rebel Sport Run4Fun 10km event?

To enter the Run4Fun event, visit the official event website listed in the article: run4fun.com.au.

What makes finishing inside ANZ Stadium special at the Run4Fun?

Finishing inside ANZ Stadium gives participants a taste of Olympic atmosphere — Melinda describes the thrill of running into an Olympic stadium, seeing yourself on the big screen and crossing the finish line in a memorable setting, even if the crowd is smaller than at the Olympics.

Can participating in Run4Fun help raise funds for children’s hospitals?

Yes. The article highlights fundraising as a key part of the event experience. Melinda urges participants to support the event’s charity partners to help fundraise for hospitals that treat children.